Impact Win Two Straight After 2-0 Shutout Over Austin Aztex
It was nice to see the smile on Matt Jordan's face again. The smile and look of satisfaction that he usually had after the Impact just won a game. It was back and so was Jordan.
The Impact's starting 'keeper was back between the posts for his third straight game but first one at home in a USL game since July 5th. With 7 games remaining in the regular season, the Impact started their 3 game home-stand with 2-0 shutout win over the Austin Aztex tonight at Saputo Stadium.
It didn't take long for Montreal to get the sold out crowd a reason to celebrate. At the 23rd minute, defender Cédric Joqueviel scored his first career goal with the Impact following a spectacular play that saw him beat three Aztex players, split the "D" then fire a low kick towards the goal line that just slipped through goalkeeper Nick Noble's hands.
The all elusive game clinching goal has been difficult to come by for the Impact and although they had their chances, could never seem to penetrate deep enough into Aztex territory to really cause much of a threat. On one such occasion at the 55th minute, Eduardo Sebrango was dragged down inside the penalty area granting the Impact a penalty kick. Although the stats have the advantage going to the kicker, Roberto Brown lobbed a soft shot that beat Noble, but hit the crossbar and on the rebound, Sebrango’s header ended in Noble’s hands.
It would take the Impact deep into the latter moments of extra time in the second half to get the insurance goal, but the team and fans alike cheered as if the half just started.
Forward Peter Byers scored in an impressive individual effort that saw him defeat all Aztex players around him with his speed and then then beat Noble with a well placed shot to his right. This was Byers' second goal in as many games.
As for 'keeper Matt Jordan, he appeared to be back to the Jordan of old, never hesitant and always aggressive on the ball. The same Jordan that seemed almost invincible during last season' simpressive run in the CONCACAF. With this clean sheet, Jordan recorded his 25th career shutout and his fifth this season.
With this win, the Impact remain in sixth position in the USL First Division standings with 32 points, four points ahead of the Vancouver Whitecaps and two behind the Rochester Rhinos.
The team now will have a week's rest before they embark on a 2 game series at home against arguably their toughest competition in the Carolina Railhawks, a team they have not yet met this season, but a team that is presently in 3rd place in the USL standings. With Montreal presently in 6th place, this could be the precursor to the first round matchup of the USL playoffs if all remains status quo by season's end.
pic by photos pépé
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