CARSON, California – The Montreal Impact lost 2-0 against the Houston Dynamo, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, in its first of three preseason matchups against Major League Soccer clubs in California.
This loss was the first of the preseason for the Impact, following two wins and two ties while in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The Dynamo scored twice in the second half. While Justin Braun was leaving the field following a tackle, Houston midfielder Colin Clark took advantage of a deep pass and beat goalkeeper Evan Bush in the 67th minute. Forward Cam weaver doubled the lead in the 83rd minute.
“It was our first MLS experience and it was a tough day for us,” said Impact head coach Jesse Marsch. “We played a team that is strong mentally and physically. We need to start the learning process of how games are like and how we are going to adjust and get better.”
“This game showed us that we have a ways to go, and it was expected,” said Impact forward Brian Ching, who was playing for the first time against his former team. “We played against a very good team that has played together for a long time. We were a bit slow in the first half but we got better as it went on. I think it’s a good start. It was fun to see my former teammates.”
The Impact had the first scoring chance in the game’s first minute when forward Sanna Nyassi brought down a long cross from defender Tyson Wahl before firing off a shot from a difficult angle.
Six minutes later, midfielder Felipe struck the ball from the middle of the 18-yard box, but Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall made the save.
In the 42nd minute, defender Josh Gardner fired a free-kick that was punched by Hall, before Felipe got on the end of the rebound, but his shot went over the net.
Forward Eduardo Sebrango, on trial with the Impact, created a scoring chance at the end of the second half with back-to-back shots that were stopped by the Dynamo keeper.
The team will play its next preseason game against the Portland Timbers this Friday at 1:30pm (ET) before facing the LA Galaxy, 2011 MLS Cup champions, on February 14.
First half lineup: GK-Donovan Ricketts, D-Zarek Valentin, D-Shavar Thomas, D-Tyson Wahl, D-Josh Gardner, M-Davy Arnaud, M-Patrice Bernier, M-Justin Mapp, M-Felipe, F-Sanna Nyassi, F-Brian Ching
Second half lineup: GK-Evan Bush, D-Jeb Brovsky, D-Nevio Pizzolitto, D-Gienir Garcia, D-Simon Gatti, M-Gerson Mayen, M-Collen Warner, M-Bryan Arguez, M-Ian Westlake, F- Eduardo Sebrango, F-Justin Braun (Felipe, 68’)
Goals:
HOU - Clark, 67'
HOU - Weaver, 83'
