Vancouver forward Eduardo Sebrango, who played with the Impact from 2002 to 2005, scored the game winning goal in the 33rd minute of play. After accepting a pass from Steve Kindel, Sebrango dribbled on the left flank and then cut towards the center, unleashing a low shot from 20 yards that beat goalkeeper Matt Jordan on his left.
"In the first half, before their goal, we had two great scoring chances and when you play on the road, you have to capitalize on those chances," said Montreal Impact head coach Nick De Santis. "In general, it was a well-balanced game. It's disappointing to lose but we still have the whole season ahead of us."
It was the first goal allowed by the Impact in Vancouver since June 5, 1998 and a first defeat for Montreal in a season-opening game since the Impact's 1-0 loss to Charleston, April 26, 2003.
The Impact now has a lifetime regular-season record of 20 wins, eight losses and four ties against their Canadian rivals, and a record of six wins, six losses and three ties in opening games (18 GF – 15 GA).
"It's disappointing to lose a game we could have won, but the season is long," said Impact veteran Patrick Leduc, who played his seventh opening game with the Impact. "We can't be discouraged because it was a close game. We failed to do the things we did so well during our camps in Europe. I think we were worried about making mistakes when we were pressured by the Whitecaps, while during pre-season, we took more risks. It's a lesson we have to remember for our next games."
Impact defender Gabriel Gervais, who is playing his seventh season with the Impact, started his 150th match in USL Division 1 while midfielder Antonio Ribeiro played his 100th match with Montreal, coming in at the 86th minute.
This was the first of three games between both teams this season. The Whitecaps will be in Montreal for the Impact’s home opener at the new Saputo Stadium, May 19. The Impact will return to Vancouver, September 13.
Both teams will also square off twice in the CONCACAF Champions League qualifications.
The Impact, which is playing its first six games on the road, will play its next game Saturday, April 19, at Tropical Park Stadium against Miami FC (7:30 pm, USLlive.com).
HIGHLIGHTS
7th minute – Posted deep in the Whitecaps zone, Impact forward Charles Gbeke centered the ball into the box but midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo headed it just wide left of the Vancouver net.
27th minute – After receiving a short pass from Charles Gbeke, Impact forward Roberto Brown tool a powerful shot from the top of the box but goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic made a diving save to his left, just tipping the ball wide.
29th minute – Whitecaps midfielder Alfredo Valente sent a corner kick towards defender Jeff Clarke who unleashed a low shot that was deflected by midfielder Vicente Arze just wide left of the net.
70th minute – Impact forward Charles Gbeke redirected a centering pass from Adam Braz with a header just wide right of the net.
84th minute – Posted in front of the net, Impact defender Gabriel Gervais deflected a centering ball from Pato Aguilera with a header, right into the goalkeeper’s hands.
PHOTOS IN VANCOUVER
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info : 514-328-3668 (ext. 227)
