“We knew that Syria was a team able to circulate the ball well and they caused many problems this way,” noted head coach Marc Dos Santos.
“However, the club gradually came back during the match and adapted. We were able to build on our opportunities and this is what we need to do in our league games. I want to congratulate the two new players trying out [Ciaran O'Brien and Tyler Rosenlund] for their work and for helping us score.”
Syria opened the scoring in the 9th minute of play. After a cross from Syrian midfielder Wael Ayan, Impact defender Hicham Aaboubou scored an own goal, accidentally deflecting the ball past goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic to his left.
“This was definitely a tough match since it was against a national team, but we are a team that needs to work hard in every game,” mentioned midfielder Sandro Grande. “We did that tonight and we won. It felt good to score two goals. I think we've played well in a number of games this year, but we didn’t get the desired result. I’m confident that if we score goals, our defense will help us win matches.”
Tony Donatelli scored the equalizing goal in the second half (66th minute). On the play, midfielder Ciaran O'Brien's shot was stopped by Syrian goalkeeper Mosab Balhous, but Donatelli pounced on the rebound and took a low shot that beat Balhous to his left.
The Impact scored the game-winning goal in the 78th minute. Midfielder Tyler Rosenlund crossed to Felix Brilliant, who jumped into the air and headed the ball into the top corner, beating Balhous to his left.
Impact goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic played the full 90 minutes. He faced 15 shots and made 7 saves. The Impact took 9 shots, with Mosab Balhous registering 5 saves.
Montreal defenders Hicham Aaboubou and Elkana Mayard also played the full 90 minutes.
The next game of the series of international matches presented this summer in Montreal will be the Champions Trophy, between the FC Girondins de Bordeaux and l’En Avant de Guingamp, and will ba played July 25, at Olympic Stadium (3 pm, Radio-Canada, Direct 8(France)). Tickets for this game are on sale through Admission (514-790-1245 / admission.com) or at the ticketing office of Olympic Stadium and Saputo Stadium.
The Impact will play its next two regular season matches on the road, Saturday against the Thunder in Minnesota (8h05 pm, USLlive.com) and next Wednesday against the Rhinos in Rochester (7 pm, USLlive.com).
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
3rd minute - After a pass from Syrian midfielder Ferias Al Katib, midfielder Jehad Al Hussien took a shot from 20 metres, but Djekanovic made a diving save to his right.
39th minute – On a cross from midfielder Bakri Tarab, forward Mohammad Alzino, posted at the edge of the six-yard area, deflected the shot with a head, but the ball sailed above the net.
59th minute - Forward Firas Al Khatib took a low, left-footed shot from inside the box that Djekanovic stopped at the near post.
71st minute - After taking a pass from forward Roberto Brown, midfielder Felix Brillant unleashed a high, right-footed shot to the far post that was stopped by a diving Balhous.
87th minute - Sandro Grande took a shot from point blank range that Balhous stopped with an outstretched hand. Roberto Brown then grabbed the rebound but his shot hit the goalkeeper on the goal line.
NEXT GAMES
• Saturday, July 11 – IMPACT @ Minnesota – National Sports Center – 8h05 pm (USLlive.com)
• Wednesday, July 15 – IMPACT @ Rochester – Marina Auto Stadium – 7 pm (USLlive.com)
• Sunday, July 19 – Puerto Rico @ IMPACT – Saputo Stadium – 3:30 pm (Radio-Canada, CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com)
GAME SUMMARY
PHOTOS PÉPÉ AT SAPUTO STADIUM
-30-
Source: Claudia Gervais, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 234)
