Forward Mauricio Salles, one of the Impact’s new acquisitions, scored two goals in the first half, in the 16th and 37th minute of play. Defender Gabriel Gervais (27th), midfielder Antonio Ribeiro (39th) and Daniel Antoniuk (71st) also scored for the Impact. It was Antoniuk's fourth goal in as many games, making him the team's leading goal-scorer in pre-season play.
Impact goalkeepers Greg Sutton and Andrew Weber shared the shutout, the fourth in as many games since the beginning of training camp.
“We played an excellent first half,” said Impact head coach Nick De Santis. “We scored early in the game, which allowed us to have more space on the field. We played well again defensively but it was way better on offense than it was against the UQAM. Our midfielders were more involved and it led to some good scoring opportunities.
“Overall, I’m satisfied with what we've done in pre-season games”, added De Santis. “Victories are not very important for me during camp. I’m looking more in terms of team progression and yes, we have improved over the last two weeks. We still have one week of training camp in Florida to be sharp and ready for the first game of the season.”
“We were very focused today and I think we played our best game,” said Gabriel Gervais. "We saw a constant progression of the team since the beginning of camp and that’s positive. For the moment, we're not yet thinking about the first game of the season, but once we will start training in Florida we will concentrate on the game against Florida.”
The team announced that forward Rachid Madkour has been released. He was looking to sign a new contract with the Impact.
The team will fly off to Florida this Tuesday, April 18 to continue its training camp and prepare for its season opener, set for Sunday, April 23 at 4 pm against Miami F.C. The Impact will train at the Sunrise Hilton Sports Complex in Fort Lauderdale.
Montreal’s 13th home opener in club history at Claude-Robillard Sports Complex will take place Sunday, May 21 at 4 pm against the Minnesota Thunder.
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
