On the winning goal, Impact midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo centered the ball towards Gabriel Gervais at the far post who then centered the ball in the box, which was deflected by forward Roberto Brown. Patrick Leduc stepped in and took a low shot to beat Vancouver goalkeeper Richard Goddard.
With the win, the Impact now has 41 points, and is only one point away from the Seattle Sounders and first place in the United Soccer Leagues First Division.
Following the Minnesota Thunder's loss to Rochester earlier Saturday, the Impact is now guaranteed a playoff spot. The Impact has qualified for the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season.
With Montreal's 41 points and the top eight teams qualifying in post-season play, Miami FC (28 points), Carolina (26 points), Minnesota (20 points) and California (19 points) can no longer mathematically catch up to the Impact.
The Impact, who suffered only one loss on the road this season, is now unbeaten in its last six games (4-0-2).
“The whole team played very well defensively and we did a good job especially on Martin Nash,” said Impact head coach Nick De Santis. “We believed we could win tonight and the energy was very high after our first goal. Again, it’s a good road trip with two wins. When we made changes, a few weeks ago, we were expecting a progression and the team has progressed. Hopefully, we will continue to play well and get into the playoffs on a good run.”
“I’m happy that this game is over,” said forward Joey Gjertsen, who was playing his first game against his former team. “It’s great to have this result here. Everybody in black had a good game tonight. I had a lot of friends and family here tonight so it’s even better.”
It was also a first start for Impact midfielder David Testo, since he was acquired from Vancouver July 26, along with Gjertsen, in return for Zé Roberto and Alen Marcina.
In the 33rd minute, Impact captain Mauro Biello was carried off on a stretcher after suffering a dislocated elbow, following a tackle from Whitecaps defender Diaz Kembere.
Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan, who was starting a third consecutive game after his return to play following a fractured jaw, tallied an eighth shutout this season.
The win also gives the Impact the Voyageurs Cup, awarded to the top Canadian team in the league.
The Impact will play its next two games on the road, against the Rochester Rhinos August 24 and the Carolina RailHawks August 26, before coming back to Claude-Robillard Stadium August 31, to face the Rhinos.
HIGHLIGHTS
24th minute – Whitecaps forward Josh Hansen took a hard shot from 20 yards to the right of the Impact net.
45th minute – After accepting a cross from forward Joey Gjerten, Impact midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo to a shot from the top of the box that hit the post.
53rd minute – After dribbling into the Montreal zone, Vancouver midfielder Alfredo Valente took a low, hard shot from 20 yards out that just went to the right of Matt Jordan’s net.
88th minute – On the right flank, Impact defender Seth Trembly lobbed the ball over the Vancouver goalkeeper but Goddard was able to deflect the ball over the net with the tip of his fingers.
INJURED PLAYERS
Player – Position – Injury – Status - Games missed
Antonio Ribeiro – Midfielder – Groin – Day to day - 2
Jason DiTullio – Defender - Knee – Season over – 23
NEXT GAMES
Date – Teams – Stadium - Time
• Friday, August 24, 2007 – Impact @ Rochester – Paetec Park – 8 pm (Radio-Canada, FSW, Sirius, CJAD)
• Sunday, August 26, 2007 – Impact @ Carolina – SAS Stadium – 6 pm (CJAD, USLlive.com)
• Friday, August 31, 2007 – Rochester @ Impact – Claude-Robillard Sports Complex – 8 pm (Radio-Canada, FSW, Sirius, CJAD)
GAME SUMMARY
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 Ext. 27
