On the play, defender Simon Gatti centered the ball from the left flank to Ribeiro, who recuperated it just outside the box. After settling it down and beating a defender, he took a shot from 20-yards out that dropped just in front of diving RailHawks goalkeeper Chris McClellan and bounced over him, to find the back of the net. For Ribeiro, it was his second goal of the season and his 25th career point with the Impact (9-7-25).
“At the beginning of the game, we had a hard time finding ourselves on the field but we were patient,” said Ribeiro. “As the game went on, we were playing better. We worked hard during 90 minutes and the result was favourable to our team. On the goal, I took the goalkeeper by surprise. It wasn’t a perfect shot but it was enough to win the game. We often look for the perfect shot or play but tonight, we have shown that we can win on any scoring opportunity.”
The Impact remains the only team in the league undefeated on the road this season (4-0-3) and is only one point away from first place in the USL First Division standings, behind Seattle, with one more game to play.
Impact assistant coach Peter Pinizzotto signed his first win at the helm of the team. Pinizzotto (1-2-2) stepped on the bench for Nick De Santis, who was serving the second of a two-game suspension.
“We really showed a lot of character tonight,” said Pinizzotto. “It was a very physical game like we expected, but we showed discipline. We were a bit worried, considering that there were a lot of new players on defense, but they all played well throughout the game. It’s great to finally win a first game with the club. The players were happy for me and tonight’s victory is theirs.”
Goalkeeper Andrew Weber, registered his second win and second shutout in four starts with the Impact.
The Impact had to play without its four starting defenders: Mauricio Vincello (suspended), Andres Arango (suspended), Gabriel Gervais (groin injury) and Nevio Pizzolitto (knee injury).
Also, team captain Mauro Biello was playing his 300th career-game with the Impact.
The Impact will play its next two games against the Thunder in a double header in Minnesota, July 15 (6:05 pm, USLlive.com) and July 18 (8:05 pm USLlive.com).
HIGHLIGHTS
10th minute – RailHawks forward McColm Cephas took a weak shot from the penalty spot, but Impact goalkeeper Andrew Weber made the save, diving to his left. Patrick Leduc then cleared the ball on the goal line.
12th minute – After receiving a pass from Cephas, RailHawks midfielder Jonny Steele took a shot from inside the box but Weber made the save, diving to his left.
29th minute – On a free kick from Martin Fabro 35 yards out, forward Charles Gbeke deflected the ball with a header, but RailHawks goalkeeper Chris McClellan made the save, diving to his left.
48th minute - On a free kick from 30 yards by RailHawks midfielder Jonny Steele, Cephas kicked the ball forward with a header, just over the crossbar.
INJURED PLAYERS
Player – Position – Injury – Status - Games missed
Matt Jordan – Goalkeeper – Jaw – 6 to 8 weeks - 1
Gabriel Gervais – Defender – Groin – Day to day - 6
Nevio Pizzolitto - Defender - Knee – Could return August 1st - 16
Jason DiTullio – Defender - Knee - Return unknown - 16
NEXT GAMES
Date – Teams – Stadium - Time
• 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
-30-
Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 Ext. 27
