On the winning goal, Gbeke, posted deep in the 18-yard zone, scored his eigth goal of the season, deviating with a header the centering pass from midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo. It was Gbeke’s 4th winning goal this season.
On the second goal, Gjertsen made a 25-yard kick towards Charles Gbeke, who redirected the passs towards defender Gabriel Gervais, who in turn beat Rhinos goalkeeper Scott Vallow with a shot to his left.
With the win, the Impact is back to a single point behind first place in the United Soccer Leagues First Division standings, held by the Seattle Sounders.
Montreal, which has not allowed a goal in its last five games, shut out the opponent in the last 508 minutes of play.
“Tonight we have grown as a team, said head coach Nick De Santis. The changes helped us and we scored two goals. With the humidity and the size of the field, the players were tired. Fortunately, the substitutes brought a lot of energy. It’s another excellent win on the road.”
“There was a great contribution today from the substitute players and they made the difference,” said midfielder Patrick Leduc. We went through difficult moments in the beginning of the second half, but we turned the situation around. With this win, we pursue our positive sequence. It’s not only good for our confidence, but also because other teams are getting more intimidated.”
Matt Jordan, who was playing his 16th game of the season, registered his ninth shutout of the season and the fourth in a row.
“The key to our success right now is that everybody understands their role and everybody is working for one another,” said Jordan. “I have to give credit to the players in front of me because they did a wonderful job. Even if we won, I think that we can play better and strive to get better. We can’t relax and we need to keep pushing.”
The Impact, which has lost only once on the road so far this season, has not lost in its last seven games (5-0-2).
The two teams will face each other again August 31, at Claude-Robillard Sports Complex. Meanwhile, the Impact will play its next game in less than 48 hours, on Sunday against the RailHawks in Carolina, at 6 pm (CJAD 800, USLlive.com).
HIGHLIGHTS
11th minute – Rhinos forward Hamed Diallo fired a high 15-yard shot, but Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan made the save, intercepting the ball underneath the crossbar.
22nd minute – After a good run and following a centered ball by Matthew Palleschi, forward Joey Gjertsen, posted at the top of the box, took a low shot to the near right of the Rhinos’ nets.
24th minute – After cutting through the Impact defense, Johnny Menyongar tried beating Matt Jordan with a low shot near the goal line, but Impact goalkeeper made a save with his feet, diving to his right.
33rd minute – Posted in the box, midfielder Patrick Leduc deflected with a header a corner kick from Joey Gjertsen, but Rhinos defender Kevin Novak redirected the ball on the goal line, diving to the field.
50th minute - After dribbling on the right wing, forward Joey Gjertsen took a low 15-yard shot, but Rhinos goalkeeper Scott Vallow blocked it by diving to the floor.
INJURED PLAYERS
Player – Position – Injury – Status - Games missed
Mauro Biello Midfielder Elbow Approx. 3 weeks 1
Hicham Aaboubou Defender Achilles tendon Day to day 1
Antonio Ribeiro Midfielder Groin Day to day 3
Frederico Moojen Forward Sports hernia Season over 3
Jason DiTullio Defender Knee Season over 24
NEXT GAMES
Date – Teams – Stadium - Time
• 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 800)
• Wednesday, September 5 – Atlanta @ Impact – Claude-Robillard Sports Complex – 7 pm (Radio-Canada, Sirius, CJAD, USLlive.com)
• Saturday, September 8 – Impact @ Rochester – Paetec Park – 7:35 pm (Radio-Canada, Sirius, CJAD, USLlive.com)
(End of regular season)
GAME SUMMARY
PHOTOS PÉPÉ
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 Ext. 27
