Mr.Impact Posted September 9, 2009 Share Posted September 9, 2009 MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact (11-10-6) plays its 28th season match Wednesday against the Vancouver Whitecaps (9-9-9) at Saputo Stadium, at 7:30 pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com). With a win against Vancouver, the Impact would be guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. However, if Miami loses or ties tonight against Rochester, the Impact would automatically qualify. “There is great rivalry between both teams and every match is intense,” noted team captain Mauro Biello. “We want to keep our momentum and our confidence by finishing the season strong. We also want to send a message to other teams that it’s not easy to play against the Impact during the playoffs.” “It’s by pulling through tough moments that you become successful. The trials we went through this season made us grow,” noted Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “We are battling now to be as high as possible in the standings, so it’s important to keep on winning.” With three regular season matches to play, the Impact is ranked fifth in the USL First Division, with 39 points, one point ahead of Rochester and three more than Vancouver. In its last match Saturday in Cleveland, Roberto Brown’s scored two goals to lead the Impact to a 2-1 win in Cleveland. That same evening, Miami FC won 3-1 at home against Austin, thereby remaining in the race for the playoffs. The Impact is registering its best sequence in the season, not having lost in its last five matches (4-0-1). In this recent streak, the team has earned 13 points on a possibility of 15. The Impact is currently ranked third in the league with only eight goals conceded at home since season start, behind Portland and Carolina. “We have to continue to work well as a unit, especially when we don’t have ball possession, so everybody has to work together,” analyzed Dos Santos. “In Montreal, the team has always done well defensively and we want this to continue. It’s difficult to score against us at home and it’s become a club trademark.” This is the third and last match between both teams this season. In the last two games against the Whitecaps, the Impact registered 2-1 wins twice, June 7 in Vancouver and June 20 in Montreal. During the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, the Impact lost twice against the Caps: 2-0 and 1-0. Goalkeeper Matt Jordan is suffering from back spasms. Srdjan Djekanovic will therefore be in front of the net tonight. Besides Jordan, the other 24 players on the roster are healthy and therefore available to play. Midfielder Joey Gjertsen will start his 100th career match in the USL First Division. In 137 league matches (8,839 minutes), Gjertsen has earned 22 goals and 21 assists for 65 points. “The game Wednesday is important for various reasons,” mentioned Gjertsen. “There’s no doubt that 100 starts is a special achievement, especially since I have played various games against Vancouver. Regardless of this fact, this will be an important game for the playoffs and we want to continue our positive sequence.” The Whitecaps have not lost in their last seven matches (2-0-5). In their last game Friday, the team played the Thunder to a 1-1 draw in Minnesota. Whitecaps forward Charles Gbeke is currently the top league scorer with 11 goals, tied with Timbers Mandjou Keita. Gbeke scored five goals in his last six matches. Midfielder Martin Nash (thigh) and forward Marlon James (groin), who are in Montreal, could miss the game due to injuries. Their status are evaluated on a day to day basis. Midfielders Vincente Arze (healthy scratch) and Ethan Gage (back from a tryout in Europe) did not fly with the team to Montreal. OTHER FACTS • Since the arrival of Vancouver (86ers, which became the Whitecaps) in the league, in 1993, the Impact has maintained a 22-9-5 record in regular season play. • The Whitecaps offense is ranked third in the league with 38 goals scored in 27 matches. • Forward Roberto Brown is ranked seventh in the league with seven goals scored. He leads the team with five game-winning goals up to now this season. THE LAST 2 REGULAR SEASON MATCHES • Sunday, September 13 – Minnesota @ IMPACT –Saputo Stadium – 3:30 pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com) • Friday, September 18 – IMPACT @ Carolina – WakeMed Soccer Park - 7 pm (USLlive.com) http://www.montrealimpact.com/News/News.aspx?language=EN&ArticleID=1239&Focus=0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtlfan Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 VAN 0 MTL 1 FULLTIME LINE-UPS 1 - Jay Nolly (G) 22 - Takashi Hirano (D) 24 - Lyle Martin (D) 4 - Shaun Pejic (D) 6 - Chris Pozniak (D) 29 - Nizar Khalfan (M) 13 - Kenold Versailles (M) 98 - Charles Gbeke (F) 25 - Tyrell Burgess (M) 16 - Ansu Toure (M) (45') 8 - Wes Knight (M) 12 - Geordie Lyall (D) (58') 12 - Geordie Lyall (D) 28 - Gordon Chin (M) (68') 14 - Marcus Haber (F) 9 - Marlon James (F) (78') subs not used 31 - Simon Thomas (G) 2 - Marco Reda (D) 18 - Mason Trafford (D) 40 - Andrei Badescu (G) MTL 22 - Srdjan Djekanovic (G) 3 - Adam Braz (D) 23 - Stephen deRoux (D) 16 - Stefano Pesoli (D) 5 - Nevio Pizzolitto (D) 18 - Leonardo Di Lorenzo (M) 12 - Eduardo Sebrango (F) 28 - Peter Byers (F) (45') 17 - Joey Gjertsen (M) 8 - Leighton O'Brien (M) (65') 7 - David Testo (M) 15 - Patrick Leduc (M) (68') 10 - Roberto Brown (F) 9 - Rocco Placentino (F) (73') 14 - Tony Donatelli (M) 20 - Mauro Biello (M) (81') SUBSTITUTES 26 - Cédric Joqueviel (D) COACHES Teitur Thordarson Marc Dos Santos OFFICIALS Referee: Silviu Petrescu Assistant: Daniel Belleau Assistant: Bedik Charchafian 4th official: Mathieu Bourdeau SUMMARY MON: P. Byers (O'Brien) 90' DISCIPLINE MON: N. Pizzolitto 85' ATTENDANCE 11867 WEATHER Partly cloudy, 21C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Impact Posted September 10, 2009 Author Share Posted September 10, 2009 The win could prove to be costly, as Sebrango was subbed at half time with a broken hand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbailey62 Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 What a disgraceful call by Petrescu on what was a clear advantage call to any referee with any common sense. Byers attacks the Vancouver D just outside the box at which point his shirt is grabbed. Almost at that same moment, he fires a home run past Noly. He always had possession of the ball. There was no reason for Petrescu to blow the whistle. A clear advantage situation. A fine goal by Byers is turned into a free kick for Montreal by the incompetent Petrescu. Fortunately justice prevailed as Byers made the Vancouver defence look like rag dolls as he scored in stoppage time. A superb goal. Actually, both goals were superb! How does Petrescu hold on to that FIFA badge? db Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtlfan Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 quote:Originally posted by dbailey62 What a disgraceful call by Petrescu on what was a clear advantage call to any referee with any common sense. Byers attacks the Vancouver D just outside the box at which point his shirt is grabbed. Almost at that same moment, he fires a home run past Noly. He always had possession of the ball. There was no reason for Petrescu to blow the whistle. A clear advantage situation. A fine goal by Byers is turned into a free kick for Montreal by the incompetent Petrescu. Fortunately justice prevailed as Byers made the Vancouver defence look like rag dolls as he scored in stoppage time. A superb goal. Actually, both goals were superb! How does Petrescu hold on to that FIFA badge? db And Byers gets mugged by Noly only to have the foul call against him. This ref is useless, he made calls that hurt Vancouver such where they should have had a pk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbailey62 Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 quote:Originally posted by mtlfan And Byers gets mugged by Noly only to have the foul call against him. This ref is useless, he made calls that hurt Vancouver such where they should have had a pk. Yup. Saw both of those plays as well. It was a very active final 15 minutes wasn't it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piltdownman Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 Montreal well deserved the win. The first goal was a terrible call, Byers should have been able to play on the advantage. While Noly could have been called right after that, in this league the keeper is always going to get the benefit of the doubt when there is contact in the box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calgary Boomer Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 Ahhhh, Sylviu Petrescu...finding new ways to look like a complete and utter twat each and every game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorne Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 Leduc got some quality playing time for Testo, as holding midfielder. Byers looked dangerous - I have to say that Montreal wont lose a step by playing Byers instead of Sebrango. Sebrango, to me, is increasingly looking like he will go the way of Dichio and retire. Once again, dos Santos rejigged the passing lanes for this game. Gjerstsen was making a lot of through runs to the right wing. di Lorenzo, at one point, slipped in beside Sebrango and created a dangerous man advantage situation out of nothing. Vancouver looked rather pedestrian and uninspired. But, they are most dangerous with lofted crosses to the far post for Gbeke. Will Ethan Gage come back soon, Vancouver needs more from the central midfielders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTL_4_LIFE Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 BYERS BYERS BYERS BYERS BYERS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keano Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 quote:Originally posted by Calgary Boomer Ahhhh, Sylviu Petrescu...finding new ways to look like a complete and utter twat each and every game. Immediately after the disallowed goal, Byers was called offside on what was actually a Vancouver back pass. Unbelievable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keano Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 quote:Originally posted by Mr.Impact The win could prove to be costly, as Sebrango was subbed at half time with a broken hand. Costly? It's been several weeks now that Byers is clearly the better player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keano Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 MONTREAL – A goal from Peter Byers in the final moments of the match led the Montreal Impact (12-10-6) to a 1-0 win against the Vancouver Whitecaps (9-10-9), Wednesday, in front of 11,867 spectators at Saputo Stadium. Byers scored his third goal of the season during stoppage time of the second half. After accepting a pass from Leighton O’Brien, Byers dribbled three Whitecaps players before unleashing from the six-yard area a powerful low strike to the far post, which beat Whitecaps goalkeeper Jay Nolly to his left. “I’m happy because we worked hard to earn this win and I feel proud to have helped the team with a goal tonight,” commented Byers. “As we continue on this sequence of undefeated games, it proves to what extent the team is becoming every time stronger. There’s no doubt that it will be tough for other teams to measure up against us in the playoffs.” The Impact has now brought its undefeated game sequence to six matches (5-0-1), inflicting at the same time a first loss to the Whitecaps in their last eight matches. “We have to play every game like a final,” stated Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “I think that it’s with this kind of attitude that we will go far. We are gradually building pride and a sense of belonging to the club. It’s important for all players to be focused on the will to surpass themselves for the team. This attitude will allow us to face any team.” “It feels great that we found a way to win,” mentioned veteran Patrick Leduc, who was playing his second game this season. “For my part, I was a bit nervous when I stepped on the field, but everything went smoothly. It was a tough game, but we deserved the win. This outcome can only increase our confidence and strength for what’s coming up.” The Impact, which has already secured its place in the playoffs, is back at fifth position in the USL First Division standings, with 42 points, one point ahead of Rochester and six more than Vancouver. Montreal is not assured of finishing no lower than 6th in the standings. Goalkeeper Matt Jordan, who suffers from back spasms, left his place to Srdjan Djekanovic. The Canadian goalkeeper registered his 5th win and 4th shutout this season. He notably stood out at the 71st minute by stopping Whitecaps midfielder Nizar Khalfan’s powerful strike. Midfielder Joey Gjertsen started his 100th career match in the USL First Division. Forward Eduardo Sebrango exited the game at halftime, after suffering a right hand bone fracture, after falling on the ground. He was replaced by Byers. Defender Nevio Pizzolitto received his 8th yellow card of the campaign at the 85th minute and will have to serve an automatic two-game suspension. With that lone yellow card in the match, the Impact has set a new team record with a total of 61 cautions this season. Tickets for the upcoming playoffs (quarterfinal game only) will go on sale Friday, 10 am. They will be available through Admission (514-790-1245 / 1-800-361-4595 / admission.com), at the Saputo Stadium ticketing office or at 514-328-3668 (group packages only). The Impact will play its next game Sunday against the Minnesota Thunder, at Saputo Stadium, at 3:30 pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com), and will close the regular season by facing the Carolina RailHawks on Friday September 18, in Cary (7 pm, USLlive.com). OTHER HIGHLIGHTS 3rd minute – Forward Eduardo Sebrango took a point blank shot that goalkeeper Jay Nolly stopped, then midfielder Tony Donatelli jumped on the rebound, but his high strike went above the Whitecaps net. 13th minute – Following a cross from Joey Gjertsen from the right flank, Eduardo Sebrango deflected the ball with a header, then Leonardo Di Lorenzo took a volley shot that went to the right of the goal. 27th minute – On a pass from Sebrango, forward Roberto Brown fired a low point blank shot to the near post, but Nolly made the save with his feet. 40th minute - After defeating Whitecaps defender Lyle Martin, Gjertsen fired a high shot from inside the box that went just above the goal THE LAST 2 REGULAR SEASON MATCHES • Sunday, September 13 – Minnesota @ IMPACT –Saputo Stadium – 3:30 pm (CKAC Sports, THE TEAM 990, USLlive.com) • Friday, September 18 – IMPACT @ Carolina – WakeMed Soccer Park – 7 pm (USLlive.com) GAME SUMMARY Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtlfan Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 I would like to know why Byers was left out of the lineup for the entire season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keano Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 quote:Originally posted by mtlfan I would like to know why Byers was left out of the lineup for the entire season. He is rough and doesn't have a great first touch.. combined with what looked like laziness but was probably just nerves, he never looked like the better choice than Sebrango or Brown. Now he's playing with confidence and making up for his lack of finesse with speed and second effort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Impact Posted September 10, 2009 Author Share Posted September 10, 2009 quote:Originally posted by Keano Costly? It's been several weeks now that Byers is clearly the better player. Byers is clearly the better player, for NOW. Don't discount what a player of Sebrango's pedigree could do in important playoff matches. Even if he is getting a little long in the tooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurosawa1555362267 Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 quote:Originally posted by Mr.Impact Byers is clearly the better player, for NOW. Don't discount what a player of Sebrango's pedigree could do in important playoff matches. Even if he is getting a little long in the tooth. And don't forget how Byers was playing last year, missing open nets firing directlt at the keeper... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the biologist Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 quote:Originally posted by Kurosawa And don't forget how Byers was playing last year, missing open nets firing directlt at the keeper... ... the way Sebrango is playing this year [}] , though he played well vs the Caps, at least not worst than Gbeke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoccerfanatiQ Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 Sebrango should change for a Midfielder position instead, he would be good feeding Brown and Byer. He should be good at this position while we wait for Patrice Bernier. What do you guy's think ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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