With the loss, the Impact ends the season with 50 points and in third place in USL D1 regular season standings. Should there be a tie with Portland, the Timbers will finish ahead of the Impact due to their 1-0-1 record against Montreal this season.
Following tonight’s result, the Impact will play its two quarter-finals (aggregate goal series) next week against either the Vancouver Whitecaps or the Puerto Rico Islanders.
Rhinos forward Rey Martinez, who came into the game at the 62nd minute, scored at the 68th minute after deflecting a long centering pass to the far post from defender Scott Palguta. The Rhinos scored the insurance goal at the 78th minute when Matthew Delicate, assisted by Hamed Diallo, beat Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan with a low shot.
"We knew we were going to take on a team with a lot of energy and they were more motivated than us tonight," said head coach Nick De Santis. "They had a lot of scoring chances and we defended well to keep the score 0-0. We started the second half strong, but after their first goal, we played with only three defenders. We have to stay positive because in 2004, we had lost the last game of the season against Richmond and went on to win the championship."
Goalkeeper Matt Jordan, who faced eight shots, ended his sequence without allowing a goal after 622 minutes, signing a new team record.
The Impact lost its first game against the Rhinos this season and allowed its first two goals, after three wins by shutouts.
Charles Gbeke, Leonardo Di Lorenzo ad Simon Gatti have played all 28 games this season, while Patrick Leduc has started the most number of games with 26 games on the starting lineup.
It’s the first time since 2003 that the Impact allowed more than 20 goals in the regular season (21).
The Impact will play its two quarter-finals (aggregate goal series) next week against an opponent to be known tomorrow.
HIGHLIGHTS
19th minute – After recovering a poor pass from the Rhinos defense, midfielder David Testo fired a shot in the penalty box, to the right of the Rhinos’ net.
26th minute – Following a 25-yard free kick from midfielder Nate Craft, the ball was deflected by two Rhinos players before going to the left of the Impact goal.
45th minute – Posted at the entrance of the box, Rhinos forward Matthew Delicate turned around and took a hard low shot that goalkeeper Matt Jordan stopped, diving to his right.
58th minute – Matthew Palleschi dribbled on a 20-yard distance before firing a strong 25-yard shot, over the crossbar.
INJURED PLAYERS
Player – Position – Injury – Status - Games missed
Nevio Pizzolitto Defender Thigh Approx. 1week 3
Mauro Biello Midfielder Elbow Approx. 1 week 5
Frederico Moojen Forward Sports hernia Season over 7
Jason DiTullio Defender Knee Season over 28
NEXT GAMES
Date – Teams – Stadium - Time
• Two games - quarter-finals aggregate goals series – between September 12 and 16 (opponent to be determined)
GAME SUMMARY
PHOTOS PÉPÉ
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 Ext. 27
