Mauricio Vincello scored twice (8th and 36th), in addition to collecting an assist on forward Roberto Brown’s goal (26th).
The Islanders replied with two goals from midfielders Petter Villegas (16th) and forward Taiwo Atieno (28th).
“I’m happy to have scored two goals but the most important thing is the win tonight,” said Vincello. It’s like a dream for me, but it’s only one game. It will not make any difference, should we not win the series against Puerto Rico.”
“I think that we put ourselves in a good position with the win tonight, said Impact head coach Nick De Santis. “We would have preferred to finish this game with more goals, but the important thing is to win. We will have to lead the game well in Puerto Rico. It will not be easy because it’s a team that did well this season at home but on our side, we had success on the road.”
It was the first time in Impact playoff history (34 games) that five goals were scored during one half in a playoff match.
Goalkeeper Matt Jordan, who played his first career game in the United Soccer Leagues First Division playoffs, faced eight shots.
Captain Mauro Biello, who had missed the last five games of the regular season due to a dislocated right elbow, made a comeback at the 84th minute.
The second and decisive game of the home and away series on aggregate goals will be on Sunday, at 6:00 pm, at the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
GOALS
8th minute - Posted at the penalty point, forward Roberto Brown deflected with a header a centre from defender Mauricio Vincello from the left wing. Brown beat goalkeeper Josh Saunders in the top left corner.
16th minute – Following a back pass from midfielder Lars Lyssand, Islanders midfielder Petter Villegas beat Matt Jordan with a 15-yard kick at the top of the net.
26th minute - After accepting a pass from Brown, Vincello turned around, and fired a low diagonal 15-yard shot to the left of Saunders.
28th minute – Forward Taiwo Atieno received a long deep pass from defender Alexis Rivera, and went in alone against Jordan. Atieno beat Jordan with a low shot to his right.
36th minute – Vincello accepted a pass from defender Luis Aguilar and then fired a 25-yard shot in the top right side of net.
ELSEWHERE IN THE LEAGUE
• Seattle 2 @ Carolina 0
• Rochester 1 @ Atlanta 2
• Portland @ Vancouver – 10 pm
NEXT GAME
• Sunday, Sept. 16 – Impact @ Porto Rico –Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium – 6 pm (Sirius, CJAD 800, USLlive.com)
GAME SUMMARY
PHOTOS PÉPÉ
-30-
Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 (ext. 27)
