PRESS RELEASE: September 21, 2008
“Even if the game did not mean anything, it was important for us to have a good result,” said Impact team captain Mauro Biello, who was starting his first game since August 20. “It’s a very good team and we might face them in the playoffs. We played a good game with many scoring chances so it turned out to be positive.”
The Impact finished its 15th regular season in club history in third rank of the USL First Division. In the quarterfinals, Montreal will face the Seattle Sounders (10-10-10; 40 points), this Friday on the West Coast, then on Sunday at Saputo Stadium, at 5 pm.
“Tonight’s game was not easy but we are ending well the season,” said midfielder Sandro Grande. “The chemistry in the locker room will stay positive. Everybody is happy and now we need to focus on Wednesday’s game and Seattle.”
Impact goalkeeper Matt Jordan registered his 9th shutout of the season and his 20th career shutout with the Impact.
Defender Adam Braz missed the game, following his ejection Saturday at Minnesota, for inappropriate language towards the referee.
Jordan (2,250 minutes), as well as defenders Stefano Pesoli (2,113 minutes) and Simon Gatti (2,068 minutes) are the three single Impact players who finished the season with more than 2,000 minutes of regular season play.
The Impact sold 12,233 tickets in this last regular season game at Saputo Stadium. A total of 190,440 tickets were sold in 15 regular season games, improving on the same occasion the attendance record at home.
The Impact will play its next game this Wednesday against Atlante FC, from Mexico, at 8 pm at Saputo Stadium, in the second game of the CONCACAF Champions League group stage. Tickets are currently on sale through Admission, at admission.com or by dialling 514-790-1245. Tickets can also be purchased at the stadium ticketing office.
HIGHLIGHTS
12th minute – Midfielder Tony Donatelli dribbled over a few meters on the right wing before firing a high shot, but Islanders goalkeeper Justin Myers jumped to make the save.
20th minute – Donatelli recovered a free ball in Islanders territory and on a breakaway, took a low shot that was stopped by Myers with his feet.
41st minute – On a free kick situation, Islanders midfielder Sandi Gbandi made a centering pass to defender Daniel Ojeda. His 18-meter low shot deflected over two Impact players and went just to the left of the net.
57th minute – Midfielder Mauro Biello took advantage of a ball that was deep in the box, but his low shot went just to the right of the goal.
58th minute – Sandro Grande dove to keep the ball in play, then passed it to Donatelli who made a centering pass towards Biello. He then shot upon reception but Myers dove to his left to make the save.
