In the first game of the home-and-away aggregate goal series, the Impact shut out Santos Laguna 2-0, February 25 in front of 55,571 spectators at Olympic Stadium. Forward Eduardo Sebrango scored the two goals for the Impact (5th and 77th minute), while Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan registered the shutout after making eight saves.
“Our priority will be to defend, even more than usual but we will not stay behind all the time. We will also try to attack and add antoher goal,” said Impact head coach John Limniatis. “We have to expect pressure up front but the more we keep the score to zero, the more they will be frustrated. We are not expecting a lot of changes in their lineup, but Santos Laguna players will probably show more energy because they’re playing at home. ”
“The weather here is certainly not a factor because it’s hot but not humid and the temperature goes down at night,” added Limniatis. “And a great crowd in the stands is encouraging for both teams.”
“We are approaching this game with serenity,” said Impact defender Cédric Joqueviel, who played the 90 minutes of the home game in Montreal. “We are confident to play well here too. I think that we took them by surprise with our performance in Montreal, so they should give more Thursday. There is no reason for things not to go well for us.”
The total number of away goals are taken into consideration as the first tie breaker. If the two teams are still tied after the two games, there will be an overtime of two 15-minute halves, followed by penalty kicks.
Impact Midfielder Patrick Leduc, who had made the trip to Houston, is back to Montreal. Leduc, who is not yet 100% healed from a foot injury that occurred on August 27, 2008, will be off for a few weeks to completely recover.
Four other Impact players are currently injured: team captain Mauro Biello (clavicle), midfielder Rocco Placentino (groin), central defender Stefano Pesoli (knee) and defender Simon Gatti (thigh).
Meanwhile, the Mexican squad, under the helm of head coach Daniel Guzman, tied 2-2 with Necaxa, in its last game, Saturday on the road.
The team that wins the series will face in the semifinals Mexican club Atlante FC, which defeated the Houston Dynamo (MLS). After a 1-1 tie, Atlante shut out Houston 3-0, Tuesday, in Cancun.
If the Impact qualifies for the semifinal round, the first game of the series will be in Montreal, probably on March 18, at Olympic Stadium.
The Impact will be back in Montreal Friday at 7:05 pm, at Montreal-Trudeau Airport.
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Source : Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
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