It was the first win and first goal for the Impact in four games played in their new home, as well as new head coach John Limniatis’ first win.
“I’m very happy for the players,” said John Limniatis. “We have played and won to get our confidence back. We finally scored, but we need more than that to have success the whole season. I hope this is the first of a series of wins.” VIDEO CLIP
On the game winning goal sequence, Placentino accepted a short pass from defender Adam Braz, took control of the ball, and fired a high 25-meter shot that found the back of net after sailing just above the Battery goalkeeper Dustin Hudock.
“It’s a ton of bricks out of our shoulders,” said forward Rocco Placentino. “I think that I did not play well tonight, but I’m happy to have broken the ice tonight. I hope to continue scoring because it’s an amazing feeling.”
Impact Goalkeeper Matt Jordan made eight saves to get his fourth shutout of the season. In the first half, he blocked two point blank shots from Ian Fuller and Randi Patterson.
“We struggled a little bit in the first half to get our legs but we dug deep,” said Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan. “We got this result when we desperately needed it. It’s a new start and a new season for us. We are ready for the remaining 19 games.”
Defender Nevio Pizzolitto who came in the second half, played his 219th career game with the Impact, tying Nick De Santis in second place in club history for most games played.
For a fourth consecutive game at Saputo Stadium, the Impact played in front of a sold out crowd, selling the 13,034 tickets available.
The Montreal Impact will play its second game of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, Tuesday, against the Vancouver Whitecaps at Saputo Stadium (7:30 pm, CKAC Sports, TEAM 990).
HIGHLIGHTS
10th minute – Midfielder Patrick Leduc fired a strong 30-meter shot that Battery goalkeeper Dusty Hudock deflected on the crossbar. The ball then bounced inside the goal line, but the referee did not call a goal on the play.
17th minute – Posted in front of the net, Battery midfielder Ian Fuller took a point blank shot that Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan stopped with his feet, diving to the floor.
29th minute – Battery Forward Randi Patterson deflected with a header a centering pass from midfielder Chris Williams inside the penalty box. Jordan made the save once again with a dive to his left.
40th minute – Impact forward Charles Gbeke deflected with a header a centering pass from Rocco Placentino, but the ball grazed the post to the left of the Battery goalkeeper. A few seconds later, on a nearly identical play, goalkeeper Dustin Hudock saved a shot from Gbeke on the goal lines, after diving to the left.
57th minute – From the corner of the 18-yard box, Impact midfielder Joey Gjertsen took a shot that sailed to the right of the Battery goal.
GAME SUMMARY
PHOTOS PÉPÉ AT SAPUTO STADIUM
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 (ext. 227)
