SUMMARY
The Montreal Impact (4-0-4) settled for a 0-0 tie against the Toronto Lynx (0-6-4), Friday, at Claude-Robillard Sports Complex, in front of 9864 spectators.
With the tie, the Impact is now undefeated in eight consecutive games, boasting a record of 4-0-4.
The Impact has yet to score a goal in two consecutive home games, having played to a 0-0 tie against the Rochester Rhinos last Sunday, in the Impact’s home opener.
The Lynx, who had allowed nine goals in their last two games, played a very defensive style throughout the match.
In the 31st minute, forward Ali Gerba had the Impact’s first scoring chance. Gerba, who was alone on Lynx goalkeeper Richard Goddard, tried to go around him but Goddard made the save with his feet, diving to his left.
In the 60th minute, Impact midfielder Masahiro Fukasawa jumped on a failed clearing attempt, coming from defender Nigel Henry’s header. Fukasawa’s strong shot from the top of the penalty box sailed just wide, to the right of Goddard.
The best Lynx scoring chance happened in the 78th minute. After receiving a pass from Jamie Dodds, Sean Fraser, rushed in on the left wing. He shot low and to the far side, but was stopped by Impact goalkeeper Greg Sutton, earning his sixth shutout this season.
The Impact plays its next game against the Charleston Battery at 7:30 pm on June 22nd at Claude-Robillard Sports Complex. Until then, Montreal will play two exhibition games against the Vermont Voltage of the Premier Development League of the USL. The first of the home-and-away series will be held at the Catalogna Soccerplexe, in Lachine, on June 8th. Game time is 11 am.
COMMENTS
Impact head coach Nick De Santis: “We quite simply did not create enough scoring opportunities. We were expecting this type of game, but we have to find ways to score some goals. We played a good first half, but the second half was a little tougher. We are really disappointed that we couldn’t provide more excitement for our fans. We’ll have three weeks to work on it.``
Greg Sutton: “We weren’t able to score, but we didn’t allow a goal either. It’s always positive to earn a point, but it is frustrating that we couldn’t please another huge crowd tonight. We have to keep working hard, and the goals will come.”
Gabriel Gervais: “As the game progressed, it got tougher to find open space. The Lynx played for the 0-0 tie. We have to find solutions to this tactic because every team plays this style when they come to Montreal.”
IMPACT LINE-UP
Greg Sutton, Gabriel Gervais, Mauricio Vincello (Jason Di Tullio 83), Adam Braz (Lars Lyssand 69), Nevio Pizzolitto, Masahiro Fukasawa, Patrick Leduc, Zé Roberto (Mesut Mert 63), Mauro Biello (Antonio Ribeiro 54), Kevin Wilson (Darko Kolic 81), Ali Gerba
LYNX LINE-UP
Richard Goddard, Abraham François, Jeremie Piette, Nigel Henry, Rick Titus, Rumba Munthali, Edgar Bartolomeu, David Diplacido (Sean Fraser 45), Rob Aristedemo (Niels Dekker 74), Jamie Dodds (Robin Hart 87), Dave Simpson (Josue Mayard 69)
SHOTS: TOR 8 MTL 15
SAVES: TOR 10 MTL 6
FOULS: TOR 14 MTL 8
OFFSIDES: TOR 1 MTL 3
CORNERS: TOR 1 MTL 5
CAUTIONS
TOR: Edgar Bartolomeu 30
TOR: Rick Titus 39
MTL: Adam Braz 56
MTL: Gabriel Gervais 88
REFEREES
Jose Farias, Guy Verna, Daniel Belleau, Tiger Liu
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Source: Patrick Vallée
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
