"We created more chances than our opponent, but couldn’t make the key plays that would have meant a win instead of a tie. Today’s performance wasn’t good enough," stated Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "Our matches against Miami are always difficult. Fatigue from last month’s busy schedule certainly didn’t help our decision making. We need to be a little more ambitious on the field and keep that mentality for the full 90 minutes."
Miami FC opened the scoring in the 9th minute of play. Following a corner kick, midfielder Christian Gomez unleashed a powerful shot from the top of the box that deflected off a player in front of the net, beating goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic to his left.
Midfielder Tony Donatelli evened the score in the 23rd minute on a penalty kick for his second goal of the season. On the previous play, forward Peter Byers accepted a cross off the right flank from Philippe Billy, but was held in the box.
"We tried to capitalize on our opportunities by working together as a team," said Impact defender Hicham Aaboubou. "The conditions were difficult for both teams, but we were hoping to take better advantage of the situation. At least we were able to collect a point."
"That was a tough match," said Impact team captain Nevio Pizzolitto. "We tried to play a simple style in the second half and were able to create some chances, but just couldn’t find a way to get all three points. It’s really important for us to win these games at home. Now we’ll have to work even harder if we hope to collect maximum points on our next road trip."
Djekanovic faced nine shots. One of his best saves came in the 29th minute when he deflected a Christian Gomez free kick over the net.
Djekanovic's Miami FC counterpart, Caleb Patterson, faced 10 shots. He dove to his left in the 20th minute to punch out a 20-yard kick from Impact midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo. Patterson stoned Di Lorenzo a second time on the hour mark, stopping a free kick from about 20 yards out.
All 13,034 tickets at Saputo Stadium were sold for Sunday's game. It was the third sell-out of the season.
The Impact has an all-time record of 5-1-6 (11GF-6GA) versus Miami FC, now in its fifth season of existence.
Midfielder David Testo started his 100th regular season match in the league.
Goalkeeper Matt Jordan (groin) and defender Stefano Pesoli (foot) missed Sunday's game due to injuries.
The two clubs are scheduled for a rematch in Florida on September 11th at Lockhart Stadium.
Montreal's next two games are on the road, Wednesday in Minnesota and Saturday in Tampa Bay.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
70th minute - Midfielder Rocco Placentino cut past a defender and took a shot from the top of the 18-yard box that grazed the crossbar after Caleb Patterson got a piece of it with his hand.
74th minute - After cutting into the slot, forward Reda Agourram took a high shot from roughly 25 yards that sailed just over the Miami goal.
NEXT THREE MATCHES
• Wednesday, June 9 – IMPACT @ Minnesota – National Sports Center – 8pm (nscminnesota.org)
• Saturday, June 12 – IMPACT @ Tampa Bay - G. Steinbrenner Stadium – 7pm (fctampabay.com)
• Sunday, June 20 – Rochester @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 2pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990)
GAME SUMMARY
PÉPÉ’S PHOTOS AT SAPUTO STADIUM
-30-
Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 (Ext. 227)
