One goal conceded by Montreal in five preseason games
ST. PETERSBURG, Florida – The Montreal Impact brought its 2019 training camp to an end in the best of ways, beating D.C. United 3-0 at Al Lang Stadium. Nacho Piatti, Maximiliano Urruti and Mathieu Choinière scored the goals for Montreal.
“We didn’t concede a goal today and I think we had more opportunities than D.C. United,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “The players followed the system put in place, and they brought it to life on the field. Everyone worked really well. The group is coming along well and is very solidary. We’ve increased the group average and that’s very important.”
Quick goal to start the game
The Bleu-blanc-noir took advantage of its first chance in this one, finding the back of the net in the eighth minute. Piatti, leading the attack from the left flank, found Saphir Taïder, who quickly passed to Urruti in the middle, in front of the box. The striker laid it off to his compatriot who casually slipped the ball into the back of the net, to Bill Hamid’s left.
In the 19th minute, Samuel Piette spotted Clément Bayiha on the right wing. The Academy product passed to Urruti, who managed a quick shot, but Hamid made the save. Montreal created another opportunity seven minutes later, when Shamit Shome found Nacho Piatti in the box, but is powerful left-footed shot was just off target.
“We applied our coach’s game plan to the letter. We were very disciplined, which is what we worked on quite a bit during this camp,” said midfielder Samuel Piette. “But this is just a preseason game, and it’s the season that counts. We need to continue playing the same way we’ve played during this camp.”
Mathieu Choinière shines in second half
In the 63rd minute, Urruti came close again, piercing through the defense and into the opposing box, coming face to face with Hamid, but the ‘keeper was able to come out on top.
Montreal was in trouble a few minutes later. Goalkeeper Evan Bush committed a foul on a D.C. United forward following a set piece. However, video review showed there was an offside on the play and the penalty was called back.
In the 79th minute, Mathieu Choinière, from the left flank, dribbled past his defender and found Urruti alone in the box. The Argentine curled his shot into the bottom right corner, doubling his team’s lead.
Then, in the 90th minute, Anthony Jackson-Hamel won his aerial duel following a long ball from Bush. Mathieu Choinière took advantage of the bouncing ball to volley it spectacularly into the top left corner.
“Since day one of camp, we’ve been working hard and now we’re being rewarded,” said midfielder Mathieu Choinière. “I think we’re ready to start the season. We’ve worked well and the group spirit is excellent. Everyone adheres to the philosophy the coach has brought forward. It shows on the field.”
Upcoming games
The Impact opens its regular season against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, March 2, at 10pm EST at Avaya Stadium (TVA Sports, 98,5, CJAD 800). The Bleu-blanc-noir will then head to Texas to face the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, March 9 at 5pm EST at BBVA Compass Stadium. Montreal will open its season at home, at Stade Saputo, on Saturday, April 13, at 1pm against the Columbus Crew SC (TVA Sports, 98,5, TSN 690).
LINE-UPS
MTL – G-Evan Bush; D-Daniel Lovitz, Zakaria Diallo, Victor Cabrera, Bacary Sagna; M-Ignacio Piatti (Mathieu Choinière 73’), Micheal Azira, Samuel Piette, Saphir Taïder (Shamit Shome 23’), Clément Bayiha (Orji Okwonkwo 64’); F-Maximiliano Urruti (Anthony Jackson-Hamel 82’)
Unused substitutes: Clément Diop, Rudy Camacho, Zachary Brault-Guillard, Émile Legault^, David Choinière^, Amar Sejdic^
^Trialists
DC – G-Bill Hamid; D-Leonardo Jara, Steven Birnbaum, Fredric Brillant, Joseph Mora (Chris McCann 80’), M-Russell Canouse, Junior Moreno, Paul Arriola (Zoltan Steiber 81’), Lucas Rodriguez (Ulises Segura 34’), F-Wayne Rooney, Luciano Acosta
Unused substitutes: Chris Seitz, Earl Edwards Jr., Jalen Robinson, Donovan Pines, Akeem Ward, Allexon Seravia, Chris Durkin, Antonio Bustamante, Bryang Kayo, Moses Nyeman, Griffin Yow, Quincy Amarikwa
GOALS
MTL – Ignacio Piatti (Urruti) 8’
MTL – Maximiliano Urruti (M. Choinière) 79’
MTL – Mathieu Choinière (Jackson-Hamel) 90’
CAUTIONS
DC – Russell Canouse 53’
MTL – Mathieu Choinière 88’
