With the Impact trailing 0-2 in the first half, forward Charles Gbeke scored two goals in less than two minutes in the second half (63rd and 65th minute).
“We were not in a good situation but we believed that we could come back into the game,” said Gbeke. “I think that it’s the team spirit that allowed us to climb up today. We have to continue to work in all games. We put a lot of heart and courage. We are fighting in the hardest moments and that is what allows us to win championships.”
RailHawks midfielder Joey Worthen had scored both Carolina goals in the first half (17th and 30th minute).
The game was played 10 vs 10 starting at the 9th minute, after Impact defender Andres Arango and RailHawks forward Anthony Maher were expelled, following a fight.
Impact assistant coach Peter Pinizzotto was coaching the team since coach Nick De Santis served the first of a two-game suspension.
Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan was replaced by Andrew Weber at the beginning of the second half. Jordan suffered a fractured jaw after a collision with Simon Gatti in the first half which led to Carolina’s opening goal.
Gabriel Gervais was back in the line-up after having missed the last seven games, following his participation in the Gold Cup and a groin injury. Gervais left the game at the 82nd minute after apparently aggravating his injury. Defender Mauricio Vincello did not play the game since he is also serving the first of a two-game suspension.
“We expected a physical game because we knew they would be tired and we did not want to get into a wrestling match against them,” said Gervais, who made two assists. “We fell into their trap in the first half but at the end of the game, we showed who had more class and who was the best team.”
Midfielder Antonio Ribeiro reached the 5,000-minutes played mark with the Impact and captain Mauro Biello made a comeback in the starting line-up.
“I think we played well in the first half but we made two mistakes that were costly,” said Biello. “We kept going in the second half and we showed attitude and character to get back in the game. We are happy with the result, considering the fact that again, we were playing without a number of regulars in the line-up.”
With the tie, the Impact is now three points behind the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Rochester Rhinos who are in first place in USL Division 1 standings, with 27 points.
The two teams will face each other again in Carolina, Friday, July 13 at 7:30 pm (USLlive.com).
GOALS
17th minute – Midfielder Joey Worthen took advantage of a free ball following a collision between defender Simon Gatti and goalkeeper Matt Jordan to open the score in an open net.
30th minute – Joey Worthen stripped the ball from defender David Fronimadis, and split the Montreal defense to find himself alone in front of goalkeeper Matt Jordan. He beat the Impact goalkeeper with a low shot, on his right.
63rd minute – Forward Charles Gbeke received a long pass from defender Gabriel Gervais, controlled the ball on the left wing and took a hard shot from point-blank range in the top part of the net.
65th minute – Following a free kick from 25 yards by Leonardo Di Lorenzo, Gervais flicked the ball with a header in the box. Gbeke redirected it with a sailing header just under the crossbar that beat goalkeeper Chris McClellan.
HIGHLIGHTS
23rd minute : After a run by Charles Gbeke deep on the right wing, his centering pass crossed the box, which midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo tried to volley but his shot lacked precision.
38th minute – Defender David Fronimadis made an offensive run in the penalty box, and then centered the ball for captain Mauro Biello, who was unable to shoot, following a tackle from behind by RailHawks defender Sola Abolaji.
52nd minute - Following a 20-yard free kick by Martin Fabro, Charles Gbeke redirected the ball with a header before it deflected on a RailHawks defender. Goalkeeper Chris McClellan made a save with a dive to his right.
INJURED PLAYERS
Player – Position – Injury – Status - Games missed
Patrick Leduc– Midfielder – Back - Day-to-day - 1
Nevio Pizzolitto - Defender - Knee - Could return August 1 - 15
Jason DiTullio – Defender - Knee - Return unknown - 15
NEXT GAMES
Date – Teams – Stadium - Time
• Friday, July 13 – Impact @ Carolina – Stadium SAS – 7:30 pm (USLlive.com)
• Sunday, July 15 – Impact @ Minnesota – James Griffin Stadium – 6:05 pm (USLlive.com)
• Wednesday, July 18 – Impact @ Minnesota – James Griffin Stadium – 8:05 pm (USLlive.com)
• Wednesday, August 1 – Carolina @ Impact – Claude-Robillard Sports Complex – 7 pm (CJAD 800, USLlive.com)
GAME SUMMARY
PHOTOS PÉPÉ
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 Ext. 27
