ORLANDO, Florida – In the team’s first match of the preseason, the Montreal Impact came from behind to earn a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City (1-1 at half-time), on Saturday, at the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic tournament, presented at the ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex in Orlando, Florida. Forward Marco Di Vaio scored in stoppage time in the first half, while Andrew Wenger scored the game winner in the 61st minute.
SKC opened the scoring in the 18th minute when midfielder Graham Zusi fired one from 25 yards out, which left goalkeeper Troy Perkins no chance on the play.
READ: Postgame comments from Schällibaum, Bernier and Tissot
The Impact tied things up just before the half-time whistle when midfielder Patrice Bernier played a long ball down centre field to Designated Player Marco Di Vaio, who squeezed through the defence and beat SKC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen with a low shot as he broke in on goal.
The Impact took the lead in the 61st minute. Just seconds after coming on as a substitute, Academy product Maxim Tissot dribbled down the left flank and played a through ball for Wenger, who beat Nielsen with a low shot.
Watch the entire archived game here
Troy Perkins made a game saving stop in the 89th minute off of a header by defender Ike Opara.
The Impact had its best chance of the first half in the 26th minute. Midfielder Sanna Nyassi, deep in Kansas City territory, played a cross to team captain Davy Arnaud, who one-timed his shot, but Nielsen dove to his left to knock away the low ball.
The Impact will play its second game of the tournament against the Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) on Wednesday, February 13. The game will be streamed live on impactmontreal.com.
Season Tickets
2013 season tickets are now available in seven categories, at a cost of $295, $385, $475, $580, $770 and $1070. You can assure your spot for the 2013 season by contacting the Impact’s sales and services team at 514-328-3668. Show your support for your club by paying for your tickets using your Montreal Impact BMO credit card.
Lineups
MTL: GK – Troy Perkins; D – Zarek Valentin (Jeb Brovsky 46’), Alessandro Nesta (Collen Warner 46’), Matteo Ferrari, Dennis Iapichino (Maxim Tissot 60’); M – Hassoun Camara, Davy Arnaud (Andrea Pisanu 69’), Patrice Bernier (Wandrille Lefevre 72’), Felipe (Eber* 60’), Sanna Nyassi (Justin Mapp 46’); F – Marco Di Vaio (Andrew Wenger 60’, Calum Mallace 83’)
Trialist
SKC: GK – Jimmy Nielsen (Erik Kronberg 62’); Seth Sinovic (Josh Gardner 62’), Matt Besler (Yann Songo'o 62’), Aurelien Collin (Ike Opara 46’), Mechack Jerome (Kyle Miller 62’); M – Orioll Rosell (Lawrence Olum 62’), Paulo Nagamura (Christian Duke* 62’), Benny Feilhaber (Peterson Joseph 62’); F – Graham Zusi (C.J. Sapong 62’), Claudio Bieler (Soony Saad 62’), Bobby Convey (Adama Mbengue 62’)
Trialist
*MLS Supplemental Draft
Goals
SKC – Zusi 18’
MTL – Di Vaio (Bernier) 45’
MTL – Wenger (Tissot) 61’
Cautions
MTL – Arnaud 30’
MTL – Lefevre 90’
