The Montreal team therefore finally beat its old record of seven straight games without a loss, a milestone it first established in 1993, its first year in the A-League, and tied seven times after that, before this season.
Joel John Bailey scored two goals, his third and fourth this season, while Antonio Ribeiro tallied a goal, his first in 2004, and one assist.
Ribeiro led the Impact to victory by beating goalkeeper Mike Franks on a 20-yard shot at the 27th minute of play, then by setting up Bailey’s first goal of the night at the 44th minute, scored on a low shot that first grazed the right post. Bailey then scored the insurance goal at the 79th minute, taking advantage of a Lloyd Barker pass to one-time it from 20 yards out.
Goalkeeper Greg Sutton picked up his seventh shutout in eight starts this season. He has a total of 34 career shutouts with Montreal, which ties the club record which was first established by Paolo Ceccarelli.
Head coach Nick DeSantis’ squad remains the only undefeated team in the A-League this season, with a record of 7-0-1. This is the team’s best start ever, and allows Montreal to take sole possession of first place in Eastern Conference standings, three points ahead of the Rochester Rhinos and the Atlanta Silverbacks. Atlanta beat the Syracuse Salty Dogs 2-1, Friday.
The Impact also extended its undefeated streak in Vancouver to five games (5-0-0). Montreal’s last loss at Swangard Stadium dates back to August 21, 1996.
Mauro Biello did not start the game after suffering an injury to the quadriceps muscle in practice. Patrick Leduc was out of the line-up, serving a one-game suspension after receiving a red card in the club’s previous match-up.
The Impact will continue its three-game road trip in Western Canada this Sunday in Calgary against the Mustangs (4 pm), and Tuesday in Edmonton against the Aviators (10 pm).
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SOURCE:
bcomm
INFO:
Stéphane Banfi
514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
