Blerim Dzemaili scores his first MLS goal
MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact beat the New York Red Bulls, on Saturday evening at Stade Saputo, in front of 19,032 supporters, in a tense game that ended in a 1-0 shutout for the hosts. Designated Player Blerim Dzemaili opened his account in MLS with the game-winning goal, halfway in the second period.
“It was not an easy game,” said Impact head coach Mauro Biello. “In the first 15 minutes, they put us under pressure. We grew into the game after this period. We were able to install our play in their zone and we created some good chances. At the end, they had possession but there was not any danger. Defensively, we did a good job closing down space and limiting their opportunities. We beat a good opponent with a clean sheet. It shows the team is growing.”
“This clean sheet has been coming for a while,” said Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush. “For some reason, we get up when we play New York. They make you work and you have to be ready when you face them. Defensively, not only the back four guys, but everyone on the team worked really hard. Winning 1-0 at home gives us a lot of confidence.”
Right at the start of the game, the Red Bulls imposed their style. Keeping possession of the ball for long moments, the visitors created good chances, like in the fourth and fifth minute, as Michael Murillo crossed twice on the ground from the right for Bradley Wright-Phillips; his first try sailed over the bar, but his second required a timely – and excellent – intervention from Evan Bush, who earned his 20th clean sheet in MLS.
Impact settles down in the game
Despite New York’s efficient press, the Bleu-blanc-noir started to enter the game through its left flank. In the 20th minute, Laurent Ciman connected with Nacho Piatti with a long ball. Murillo intervened, but the Argentine took over possession right away, entered the box and crossed back for Blerim Dzemaili, but his pass bounced and the new Designated Player sent his show over the bar.
Ten minutes later, the hosts celebrated what they though was a valid goal. Dzemaili, in the box, took a shot that was tipped on its way past Luis Robles. Unfortunately, three Bleu-blanc-noir players were behind the defense and impeded Robles in his work; referee Mark Geiger determined that the goal was ruled offside.
The Impact finished the first half well, notably with shots from Piatti, Anthony Jackson-Hamel and Ciman with a header, but could not find the back of the net before the break.
Second half goes Montreal’s way
Back from the locker room, the Bleu-blanc-noir took the bull by the horns, starting with a Patrice Bernier cross in the 49th minute, which fell at Ambroise Oyongo’s feet. The Cameroon international shot precisely, aiming for the top corner, but Robles dived to make a magnificent save. Then at the 54th minute, Chris Duvall ran over 40 metres or so and sent a through ball for Dominic Oduro but, with a defender on his back, the Ghanaian could not direct his shot.
The Impact finally opened the score in the 67th minute. Bernier played a free kick in the attacking half quickly for Dzemaili on the left, who gave the ball to Piatti. The number 10 played it right away for the Swiss, who beat Robles with a powerful shot.
Dzemaili could have had a second, ten minutes before full-time, following a skill move with a shot that Robles blocked. The Bleu-blanc-noir held on until the final whistle to add a fourth win this season in MLS.
Upcoming games
The Impact will play away from home for two games in a row, first on Saturday, June 10, at 8pm against Sporting Kansas City (TVA Sports, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690), and on Saturday, June 17, at 7:30pm, at Orlando City SC’s new stadium (TVA Sports, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690). The team will return to Stade Saputo for the first leg of the Canadian Championship final, on Wednesday, June 21, against Toronto FC (Tickets on sale Monday, June 5 – RDS, TSN, 98,5fm, TSN Radio 690).
LINEUPS
MTL – G-Evan Bush; D-Ambroise Oyongo, Laurent Ciman, Kyle Fisher, Chris Duvall; M-Marco Donadel, Patrice Bernier, Blerim Dzemaili (Víctor Cabrera 89’); F-Nacho Piatti, Anthony Jackson-Hamel (Nick DePuy 77’), Dominic Oduro (Daniel Lovitz 70’).
Unused substitutes: Maxime Crépeau, Hassoun Camara, Adrián Arregui, David Choinière.
RBNY – G- G-Luis Robles; D-Michael Murillo, Damien Perinnelle, Aaron Long, Kemar Lawrence; M-Felipe, Sean Davis (Fredrik Gulbrandsen 75’), Mike Grella (Gonzalo Verón 75’), Sacha Kljestan, Daniel Royer (Alex Muyl 69’); F-Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Unused substitutes: Evan Louro, Sal Zizzo, Connor Lade, Dan Metzger.
GOAL
MTL – Dzemaili (Piatti) 67’
CAUTIONS
NYRB – Lawrence 41’
MTL – Dzemaili 57’
MTL – Bernier 75’
MTL – Lovitz 80’
