This was the first tie in 18 games between both teams (8-9-1). The Impact and the Battery were matching up for the 5th time in a season opener (1-3-1).
“Overall, I am satisfied with the game we played,” said Montreal Impact head coach John Limniatis. “We did well defensively, but our offensive actions lacked quality. If you want to win, you need to play better in the offensive third.”
“We played well in the first half, but after halftime, it was more difficult,” said midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo. “We did not have the same pace for 90 minutes. We will need to build on this for the upcoming games.”
“For a first game, the result is satisfying,” said defender Adam Braz. “We are happy with our performance. We obtained a point on the road.”
Goalkeeper Matt Jordan registered his 21st career shutout, after facing 10 shots. He notably stood out in the 87th minute when he dove to his left to stop a point blank headshot from midfielder Ian Fuller.
Midfielder Kevin Sakuda and defender Stephen deRoux had their first season start and career game with the Impact, while forward Eduardo Sebrango, who entered the game at the 57th minute, was playing his first USL game in the Impact uniform since his return to Montreal, November 12.
Sakuda played this first game as defensive midfielder, with Leonardo Di Lorenzo to the left, Joey Gjertsen, to the right, and David Testo as offensive midfielder.
Central defender Cédric Joqueviel left the game early in the second half, following a light ankle sprain. Simon Gatti replaced him in the 53rd minute.
Captain Mauro Biello, defender Stefano Pesoli, midfielder Patrick Leduc, as well as forwards Roberto Brown and Pa Amadou Gai, did not travel with the team to Charleston.
With this tie, the Impact now has a 6-6-3 record in game openers since the club’s inception in 1993.
Montreal will play its second match of a three-game series on the road, Friday, against Miami FC (8 pm, Fox Sports World).
The Impact will play its home opener at Saputo Stadium, Saturday May 9, at 3:30 pm, against the Rochester Rhinos. Season tickets are still available by calling 514-328-3668.
HIGHLIGHTS
36th minute – Following a center from Leonardo Di Lorenzo, who was coming from the left, forward Joey Gjertsen, posted near the goal lines, made a pass to Tony Donatelli, who shot upon reception above the Battery’s net.
46th minute – Posted in the corner of the box, Di Lorenzo fired a strong low cross shot that went wide to the right of the Battery goal.
63rd minute – Midfielder Tyoshi Yoshitake took a 30-meter free kick that went just to the left of the Impact net.
81st minute – Following a 35-meter free kick from the Battery, Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan dove to his left near the post to stop forward Tom Heineman’s headshot.
GAME SUMMARY
PHOTOS IN CHARLESTON
-30-
Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 227)
