ROCHESTER, N.Y. – In exhibition play, the Montreal Impact U21 team tied the Rochester Rhinos, a USL Pro club (North American third division) 1-1 on Wednesday, at Sahlen Stadium.
Forward Alessandro Riggi, who entered the game as a substitute in the 65th minute, scored the tying goal for the Impact at the 75th minute. Attacking partner Stefan Vuckovic put the ball behind the Rhinos defence for a streaking Riggi, who then beat the goalkeeper with a low shot, far post.
Rhinos forward Graciano Brito opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, taking advantage of a rebound that came off of a shot by midfielder Danny Earls.
“It’s our first game against a team from this league and knowing the significant history between both clubs, the result is satisfying,” said U21 head coach Philippe Eullaffroy. “We were a little timid in the first half because we were trying to adapt to the level. But after that, we dominated much of the second half with more ball possession that lead to the equalizing goal. These young players showed today that they aren’t very far from this level.”
First team goalkeeper Evan Bush played the entire 90 minutes of the game.
The U21s will play their next exhibition game this Saturday, at 6 pm, against the Celtix Haut-Richelieu, in St. Jean.
IMPACT LINEUP : Bush, Meftouh (Ilcu 65'), Morton, Ouimette, Lapointe-Sénécal, Tissot, Lefevre, Morin, Luarca (Riggi 65'), Messoudi (King 55'), Jackson-Hamel (Vuckovic 65')
