MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact lost its derby game Saturday night, falling to Toronto FC 2-0 at Stade Saputo. TFC’s goals came from strikers Gilberto and Luke Moore.
“Right now, there are a lot of emotions,” explained Frank Klopas. “From an energy standpoint, we weren’t there. We felt we would be fresh because we didn’t over do it in practice, but we were flat. We can’t put our finger on it now. Our reaction was not good.”
“I don’t want to make any excuses for today,” said Patrice Bernier. “This was derby game against Toronto. I understand that not everyone understands the rivalry, but we should have been more up for this one. We didn’t answer the bell tonight ”
In a game that didn’t see too many clear chances on goal, TFC managed to convert the two that they found.
In the first half, Michael Bradley played a long switch from the left flank to Dominic Oduro in the box. He one-timed a pass to Gilberto at the penalty spot, with the Brazilian firing a high blast that went off Perkins fingers, then the cross bar before bouncing past the goal line.
Then in the second half, Oduro broke in alone down the right flank, his shot blocked by an IMFC defender, but the rebound rolled to forward Luke Moore who tapped it into an open net.
The Impact did manage a few good looks at goal, including a 39’ minute blast by Bernier that rolled just wide of goal, a nice stop by TFC keeper Joe Bendik on Marco Di Vaio in close, from a tight angle, and later a reflex save on an Anthony-Jackson-Hamel redirect with his head in the game’s final minutes.
“One of the positives from today is the way Jackson played, he did very well,” said Klopas. “He’s a young guy who stepped in and did extremely well. He was strong in the box and held up the ball well. I’m very happy for him.”
“It seemed that things moved very fast,” said Jackson-Hamel, having signed his first pro contract on Friday. “But, I was ready for the opportunity if the coach needed me. It was a culmination of four years of hard work, being part of the Academy, so I’m proud today, but it would have been nice if we won and that header went in. But, there will be more chances.”
Eric Miller made his first start as a central midfielder, while Jackson-Hamel (Impact U23) made his pro debut and newcomer Dilly Duka (trade) made his first appearance with IMFC.
The Impact is faced with a quick turnaround as it hosts C.D. FAS from El Salvador this Tuesday at Stade Saputo (8pm).
“We have to prepare mentally for this Champions League game,” added Bernier. “We are in a tough spot and we hope the fans will come out and support us. We need their help to get out of this."
Lineups
MTL – GK-Troy Perkins; D-Hassoun Camara, Futty Danso (Felipe 51’), Matteo Ferrari, Krzysztof Krol; M-Patrice Bernier, Eric Miller, Andrés Romero, Justin Mapp (Dilly Duka 74’); F-Jack McInerney (Anthony Jackson-Hamel 65’), Marco Di Vaio
Subs not used: GK-Evan Bush; D-Wandrille Lefèvre; M-Gorka Larrea, Maxim Tissot
TOR – GK-Joseph Bendik; D-Justin Morrow, Nick Hagglund, Doneil Henry, Warren Creavalle; M-Dominic Oduro (Jackson 74’), Jonathan Osorio, Michael Bradley, Collen Warner (Kyle Bekker 84’); F-Luke Moore, Gilberto (Daniel Lovitz 90’)
Subs not used: GK-Chris Konopka; D-Ashtone Morgan, Bradley Orr; M-Dwayne De Rosario
Goals
TOR – Gilberto (Oduro, Bradley) 11’
TOR – Moore 54’
Cautions
MTL – Krol 32’
MTL – Ferrari 52’
MTL – Camara 77’
