Impact Downed 1-0 By Whitecaps in Nutrilite Semifinal Game 1
While Wednesday night’s game versus Vancouver FC was not a crucial opportunity to gain points in the Impact’s NASL standings (they are still looking for a win in 4 starts), the 1-0 Loss to the Whitecaps on home turf could hinder their CONCACAF aspirations for 2011.
The Whitecaps scored the lone goal of the game at the 67th minute when midfielder Terry Dunfield headed a pass from Russell Teibert past Impact ‘keeper Bill Gaudette.
Coach Marc Dos Santos, who already felt the ‘Caps were advantaged by a head start in season play, felt his team is heading in the right direction:
"Even though we didn't win, we built something tonight. The result was frustrating, but we played with intensity and power, especially in the first half. We let down our block in the second half and unfortunately, we lost the ball on a goal kick that led to their goal. I think a result of 0-0 would have been more just. Automatisms are starting to appear, our players are finding each other more easily on the field and our team is maturing. It's far from being over."
Montreal nearly tied the game at the 87th minute when defender Philippe Billy dribbled and passed the ball between two Vancouver defenders, but Whitecaps ‘keeper Jay Nolly came out of his net to grab the ball before any harm was done.
“We showed tonight that we can compete against MLS clubs,” said Billy. “The second half was more difficult because the Whitecaps put a lot of pressure. Our objective was to prevent them from scoring tonight, even more with away goals counting more in case of a tie. I think we deserved a tie. We are becoming a lot more experienced and we continue our growth as a team.”
The Impact will play the second leg of the home-away series next Wednesday, May 4, at Empire Field in Vancouver (11pm EST). They will have to outscore Vancouver by 2 goals in order to advance to the final stages where they would face the winners of the second Canadian championship semifinal between Toronto FC and Edmonton FC.
Toronto earned a 3-0 shutout win against Edmonton at Commonwealth Stadium. Both teams will meet again on May 4 at BMO Field in Toronto.
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