With 43 points and one match to play, the Impact remains fifth in the USL First Division standings, one point ahead of the Rochester Rhinos, which tied Miami FC 0-0, today at Marina Auto Stadium.
“We were invisible in the first half and unable to create something. But the message was understood at halftime and we then dominated the second half,” noted Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “We circulated the ball well and created scoring chances. I think the score reflects well the match. With this result, we stay in 5th place.”
After receiving a short pass from Roberto Brown in the 18-yard box, Byers controlled the ball, dribbled two Thunder players, then took a left-footed low shot that beat the Thunder goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel to his left under his arm.
It was for Byers his 4th goal of the season, all scored in the last seven matches.
“It was a tough match and we had to make an important effort to get the goal,” commented Byers. “I waited for my chance and I took advantage of it. I’m happy because we managed to continue our undefeated game sequence. We cannot afford to lose in front of our fans.”
The Thunder opened the score at the 6th minute. After accepting a pass from midfielder Nate Nox, forward Marco Terminesi sent a lob shot from the penalty point that defeated goalkeeper Matt Jordan.
Jordan, who returned in front of the net after missing the last match due to back spasms, registered four saves on eight shots.
“In the beginning of the game, we made a number of mistakes which cost us,” mentioned team captain Mauro Biello. “However, we managed to come back after halftime with the right attitude. We worked hard and that allowed us to obtain at least one point.”
Byers was ejected in stoppage time of the second half after receiving his second yellow card of the game. He will have to serve an automatic one-game suspension in the next match.
Defender Nevio Pizzolitto missed the game due to a two-game suspension issued for accumulating an 8th yellow card this season, while forward Eduardo Sebrango was out of the lineup due to an injury to his right hand.
Defender Stephen deRoux played his 50th career game in the USL-1, entering at the 45th minute.
With a crowd of 12,805 spectators, the Impact will have greeted a total of 180,494 spectators at Saputo Stadium, with an average attendance of 12,033 spectators in 15 regular season matches.
The Montreal Impact will play its last season match Friday, September 18 against the Carolina RailHawks, in Cary, at 7 pm (USLlive.com). The quarterfinal round will take place between September 23 to 27.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
5th minute – Defender Hicham Aaboubou stopped on the goal line a low shot from Nate Knox, and on the rebound, Leonel St. Preux took a shot above the Impact goal.
8th minute - Matt Jordan came out from his net to impede forward Melvin Tarley from taking a shot, while he was on a breakaway.
16th minute – After intercepting a pass from the Thunder, midfielder Rocco Placentino took a canon shot about 20 meters out from the right flank that Matt Van Oekel caught while diving to his right.
67th minute – After accepting a back pass from Peter Byers, midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo took a powerful left-footed shot that went to the left of the Thunder goal.
NEXT MATCHES
• Friday, September 18 – IMPACT @ Carolina – WakeMed Soccer Park - 7 pm (USLlive.com)
• Quarterfinals – two-leg aggregate goal series – September 23 to 27
GAME SUMMARY
PHOTOS PÉPÉ AT SAPUTO STADIUM
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (Ext. 227)
