Playing before 9,894 fans, a club record, head coach Nick DeSantis’ squad suffered a 2-1 loss in unusual circumstances. After Eduardo Sebrango gave the local team a 1-0 lead, the visitors tied it up on a own goal by Montreal defender Mauricio Vincello, and then added the winner on a penalty kick converted by Temoc Suarez.
It was the Impact’s first home loss of the season, which now has a 3-1-2 record at Claude Robillard Stadium. The Montreal team’s objective was to remain undefeated for all of its 14 home games in 2004.
For DeSantis, his team’s loss was all the more disappointing that the level of effort was lacking as compared to previous games, according to the coach.
"Did we have the same intensity than we had in our two games last week against Rochester? said DeSantis, alluding to his squad’s two 1-0 wins over the Rhinos, in Montreal and in Rochester. "I don’t think so. But the guys know it and they will have to find a way to make up for it Friday in Syracuse."
The Impact will be able to count on the return of three players who missed Wednesday’s game — midfielder Sandro Grande, suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards, as well as midfielder Mauro Biello and defender Nevio Pizzolitto, who took part in the Canadian national team’s 1-0 win over English club Millwall, Wednesday night in Vancouver.
The Montreal players will, however, have to deal with Syracuse’s artificial turf field. They had to settle for a 0-0 tie in their last game at P & C Stadium, June 27.
"We’ll have to take our points back Friday in Syracuse," added DeSantis. "They’re on top of the world right now, with three straight wins. But we still want to fight for first place. It’s not easy playing there on the artificial turf, but we’ll have to find a way to bounce back."
The Impact will have to win to stay in the thick of the race for the Eastern Conference regular-season championship title. The Atlanta Silverbacks and the Rochester Rhinos, the two teams presently in first place tied with Montreal, both play twice this weekend.
As for the Salty Dogs, a victory would allow them to climb up to within six points of the Richmond Kickers and fourth place. Only the top four teams in the conference will earn a playoff berth.
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SOURCE:
bcomm
INFO:
Stéphane Banfi
514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
