The win puts an end to a four-game winless streak and gives the Impact its first victory since August 9th.
Goalkeeper Greg Sutton, who faced six shots, registered his seventh shutout of the season.
“We have too much character not to bounce back and that’s what we did today,” said Impact head coach Nick De Santis. “I hope this will be the turning point of our season. It’s an incredible win for team morale. It’s good to see our forwards score and get good opportunities.”
“We worked hard to get a good result,”explained Mauricio Salles, who is the team’s top scorer with nine goals. “We worked as a team. We worked well during our training sessions and it showed today. We had the desire to win the game and the motivation was there.”
“We regrouped ourselves and I think we are now ready for the playoffs,” commented Patrick Leduc. “Once again, we got a good result in Sherbrooke and it gives us the incentive to come back. ”
The Impact increases its lead in first place in USL D1 standings with 47 points, seven points ahead of the Rochester Raging Rhinos, which have two more games to play. The Impact is already guaranteed a playoff berth.
Montreal has a perfect record in its games at “home away from home” in Sherbrooke, with three wins by shutouts since 2004.
The Impact will play its next game on Thursday against the Timbers in Portland (10 pm). The Impact will conclude its regular season at home on Friday, September 8, against the Toronto Lynx. (7:30 pm, CJAD 800, Sport Plus XM-172).
THE GOALS
22nd minute – On a free kick from 35 yards, midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo gave a short pass to forward Mauricio Salles in the center. His low, hard shot was deflected by the Mariners defence and beat goalkeeper Matt Nelson to his right.
69th minute – On the penalty spot, Salles received a pass from Mauricio Vincello from the left flank and beat Matt Nelson with a low shot.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
23rd minute – From the 18-yard box, Mariners defender Alan Woods took a hard shot but Impact goalkeeper Greg Sutton dove to his right to make the save.
31st minute – On a free kick by Patrick Leduc, defender Nevio Pizzolitto deflected the ball with a header over the net.
66th minute – Goalkeeper Greg Sutton's clearing attempt bounced off forward John Barry Nusum’s head and sailed just over the open net.
72e minute – After receiving a deep pass from Mauro Biello on the left wing, defender Nevio Pizzolitto redirected the ball diagonally, just off the post, to the left of Nelson.
90th minute – Defender Alan Woods redirected a centering pass with a header just off the crossbar.
MISSING FROM THE LINE-UP
Team – Player (Position) – Reason – Status
MTL – Antonio Ribeiro (M) – Groin injury – Day to day
MTL – Zé Roberto (M) – Fractured right tibia August 25 vs VB – Out for the season
MTL - Jason Di Tullio (D) - Knee injury July 21 @ MIN - Out for the season
MTL – Kirk Wilson (M) – Personal reasons
NEXT GAMES
Thur. August 31 – Impact @ Portland – PGE Park – 10 pm
Fri. Sept. 8 - Toronto @ Impact - Claude-Robillard Sports Complex – 7:30 pm
(end of regular season)
GAME SUMMARY
www.impactmontreal.com/Tracker/Tracker.aspx?GameID=25&language=EN
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 Ext. 27
