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VANCOUVER 1 IMPACT 0
MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact (6-8-5) lost 1-0 to its Canadian rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps (8-3-9), following a goal by defender Greg Janicki in the 88th minute of play, Wednesday, in front of 12,355 fans at Saputo Stadium.
Posted near the six-yard box, Janicki headed a long throw-in from the right side taken by defender Wes Knight, beating Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan to his right.
"It is very disappointing to have missed out on the three points tonight," said Impact defender Wesley Charles. "They were fast in attack and they maintained a lot of pressure on us all game, but overall we played well defensively. It is important that we rebound quickly and to make sure we don't let this loss affect us negatively."
"We played a good game, but we continue to give up goals late in games too many times," said Philippe Billy. "These are mistakes due to lack of concentration and they cost us."
The entire game was a heated affair, demonstrated by the nine shots, four saves, 13 fouls and four corners for each side. The Impact did, however, dominate possession.
Prior to the Whitecaps goal, the Impact created two good scoring chances. In the 66th minute, following numerous short passes in the Vancouver zone, forward Ali Gerba lobbed the ball over the Whitecaps defense towards Antonio Ribeiro, who took a low shot that goalkeeper Jay Nolly saved with his feet. Then, in the 81st minute, Tony Donatelli sent a deep ball from centre field towards Eduardo Sebrango, who managed to be one-on-one with the Whitecaps' goalkeeper, only to lob the ball over the Caps' net.
"We had some good opportunities in the second half, but we weren't able to capitalize," said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "The game was decided by a play in which we should have defended better. We have not played this game during 90 minute like it was a championship final."
Goalkeeper Matt Jordan, who missed the last 11 games with a groin injury, made his return. Jordan was put to the test in the 10th and 82nd minutes, frustrating the Whitecaps with two diving saves.
Defender Stephen deRoux (cheek), along with midfielders Rocco Placentino (groin) and Leonardo Di Lorenzo (calf), missed the game due to injury, while midfielder Filipe Soares served an automatic one-game suspension following an ejection.
Canadian forward Marco Terminesi, who joined the Impact on Tuesday, played his first game for the Impact, making his debut during injury time of the second half.
Champions following a victory against the Whitecaps in last year's final, the Impact have not won a game against Vancouver (0-2-3) in five meetings this season. The Impact suffered a similar fate against the Whitecaps on June 30, allowing a goal in the 90th minute.
The Impact also completed its four-game home stand at Saputo Stadium with two wins and two losses.
The team will play its next two matches on the road, this Saturday in Baltimore (7 pm, palacebaltimore.com), and in North Carolina, on Saturday, August 7 (7 pm, Radio-Canada, carolinarailhawks.com). The Impact will then return home on Wednesday, August 11, to face again Baltimore (7:30 pm, radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, The TEAM 990).
OTHER HIGHLIGHT
44th minute - Matt Jordan blocked a shot from Whitecaps' forward Cornelius Stewart, which was then cleared by the Hicham Aaboubou, the Setanta Sports player of the game.
THE NEXT 3 GAMES
- Saturday, July 31 - IMPACT @ Baltimore - Maryland SoccerPlex - 7 pm (palacebaltimore.com)
- Saturday, August 7- IMPACT @ Carolina - WakeMed Park - 7 pm (Radio-Canada, carolinarailhawks.com)
- Wednesday, August 11 - Baltimore @ IMPACT - Saputo Stadium - 7:30pm (radio-canada.ca/sports, CKAC Sports, The TEAM 990)
MATCH SUMMARY
PHOTOS PÉPÉ AT SAPUTO STADIUM
-30-
Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 (Ext. 227)
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