Montreal Impact News Release - www.montrealimpact.com

 

Sunday, April 26, 2006

 

MIAMI, FL -- The Montreal Impact tied the Miami FC 0-0, Sunday, in the team’s first game of the USL First Division 2006 season, at Tropical Stadium Park, in Miami. 

HIGHLIGHTS
16th minute - Miami midfielder Zihno takes a free kick from outside the box, and hits the crossbar, to the left of Impact goalkeeper Greg Sutton. The rebound is headed by Miami but is blocked by Impact defender Gabriel Gervais, with his head.

26th minute - Following a turnover by midfielder Patrick Leduc, Mario Rodriguez rushes in alone on goalkeeper Greg Sutton. The Montreal goalkeeper makes the save by coming out of his net and smothering the ball at Rodriguez’ feet.

27th minute - Impact midfielder Zé Roberto must leave the game because of a bloody nose, and is substituted by Masahiro Fukasawa. Minutes later, Fukasawa suffers a thigh injury and must be replaced by Mesut Mert.

41st minute - The Impact’s best scoring chance of the first half: Impact midfielder Antonio Ribeiro takes a shot from 20 metres out which sails just over the crossbar.

43rd minute - Following a centering pass from midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo to the far post, forward Mauro Biello takes a shot from 18 meters just wide, to the right of goalkeeper Chris Doyle.

58th minute – Biello receives a back-pass from forward Mauricio Salles and takes a low shot from the top of the box that grazes the post, to the right of Miami goalkeeper Doyle.

 

60th minute – Following a failed attempt to clear the ball by Sutton, Miami FC midfielder Sean Fraser takes a long shot from 45 metres out, but misses the net, as Sutton was out of his goal.

NOTES
• It was goalkeeper Greg Sutton’s first shutout of the season and his 59th overall with the Impact.

• Defender Gabriel Gervais played his 100th career game with the Impact

• Nevio Pizzolitto, who was nursing a stomach flu since he arrived in training camp in Florida April 18, started the game.

POST-GAME COMMENTS
NICK DE SANTIS:
"It’s a satisfactory result, given that the heat was an important factor. After a difficult first half, we came back in the second with better ball control. The Miami forwards caused us some problems, but we’ve proved once again that we have one of the best defenses in the league."

MAURO BIELLO:
"Generally speaking, we have to be pleased with our performance in this first game. We played well defensively to prevent the Miami forwards to score. We have to take the positive elements from this game. In the first half, we were playing a bit on our heels because we would lose the ball too often in the midfield, but when we regained control of the game, we were able to create some good scoring chances. We’re already looking ahead and we’ll get prepared for the next game."

GABRIEL GERVAIS:
"Sure, we’re a little disappointed because we knew what game to expect. Miami played like we thought they would but we weren’t good enough to beat them. Our play was a little rusty, so it will be important to see the video of the game to quickly correct what didn’t work. Our next opponent, Puerto Rico, will be even tougher."

GREG SUTTON:
"The game was not easy. We’ll have to work harder to be better. This was our first real test and a tie is a good result. We have to keep our heads high because we have new players on the team and the period of adaptation will take some time."

THE IMPACT OF THE RESULT
• The Impact now boasts a lifetime record of six wins, five losses and two ties in season opening games. Last year, the Impact played to a 1-1 tie against the Puerto Rico Islanders, April 29.