MONTREAL, Quebec – The Montreal Impact fell to the New England Revolution 1-0 in its final game of the 2012 inaugural season in MLS, Saturday afternoon, in front of 19,988 supporters at Stade Saputo. The Impact used Saturday’s game as an opportunity to thank its supporters
The Revs scored late to earn the victory off of a corner kick in the 89th minute. Defender A.J. Soares got on the end of the corner kick, short side, and flicked the ball passed Impact goalkeeper Troy Perkins to the far post.
Despite the loss, the Impact dominated in almost every offensive category including attempts on goal 16-7, shots on target 8-4 and open play crosses 20-9 to go along with 62% possession.
The Impact finishes the season with a 12-16-6 record, the first Canadian team to win 12 games in the history of MLS.
Postgame comments
“We did enough to deserve the win,” said Impact head coach Jesse Marsch. “It’s incredibly frustrating when you give up a goal that late in a game that you completely dominated. But the thing is that despite that frustration, I am very proud and thank the players very much for all they put into this season. The future looks very bright for this club.”
“It was exciting to get involved in the game tonight,” said forward Eduardo Sebrango. “It was a close matchup. It came down to one corner kick and they get a lucky bounce and that was it. The supporters have always supported me and they were great again today.”
“It’s nice to get recognized tonight with that award,” said Patrice Bernier. “It is the icing on the cake of a good season for me and for the group collectively. We wanted to win the game, but unfortunately couldn’t score. We created a lot of chances but couldn’t find the back of the net. Now we have a few months to work on all the small details to get ready for next season.”
“We had some good chances but we couldn’t score,” said defender Hassoun Camara. “We pushed in the second half but with a set piece they ended up scoring the goal. It wasn’t the best ending, but we will remember how great the supporters were tonight and all season long.”
Other highlights
In the 21st minute, defender Jeb Brovsky played a cross from deep down the left flank that found forward Marco Di Vaio near the penalty spot, but his one-timed, left-footed volley rolled just wide, short side.
New England had a chance in the 28th minute when a ball played across the top of the box from the right side found Fernando Cardenas alone. He took a couple of touches, but his low shot from in close was stopped Troy Perkins short side.
Forward Andrew Wenger’s header in the 32nd minute was cleared from danger by a New England defender. Defender Alessandro Nesta, following a corner kick that was cleared, played the ball back into the box where Wenger redirected in on goal from about six yards out.
Then in the 51st minute, Davy Arnaud hammered a low, left-footer from about 25 yards out that forced the Revs’ goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth to make a huge stop, diving to his left.
Forward Eduardo Sebrango, 39, got a great ovation when he came into the game in the 79th minute.
An 82nd minute free-kick by Marco Di Vaio square to goal from just outside the box found its way through the wall, but was scooped up by the keeper.
A loose ball in the box following a corner in the 86th minute saw two scramble attempts on goal - the second from midfielder Collen Warner that was cleared off the line.
Second half sub Justin Mapp fired a shot from the left corner of the box in the 73rd minute that was stopped by Shuttleworth, but the rebound bobbled around the box before Revs captain Clyde Simms cleared it from danger.
Italian defender Alessandro Nesta returned to the starting lineup for this one, while midfielder Sanna Nyassi missed the game due to yellow card accumulation. Head coach Jesse Marsch was back patrolling the sidelines after serving his one-game suspension.
Rookie Calum Mallace made his third start in a row in midfield, alongside Patrice Bernier, who was selected by members of the media and supporters as the winner of the Giuseppe Saputo trophy as team MVP.
Next season
It is possible to book your spot for the 2013 season by getting on the priority list with a $50 deposit by calling 514-328-3668. Ticket sales to the general public are set for November 5.
Please note that the prices for season tickets have gone down, globally, by 15%. An additional game has been added to the ticket package, totalling 19 matches and the team will play a maximum of two or three games at Olympic Stadium next season.
Lineups
MTL: GK– Troy Perkins; D – Hassoun Camara, Alessandro Nesta, Matteo Ferrari (Justin Mapp 71’), Jeb Brovsky; M – Collen Warner (Sinisa Ubiparipovic 87’), Patrice Bernier, Calum Mallace, Davy Arnaud; F – Marco Di Vaio, Andrew Wenger (Eduardo Sebrango 79’)
Subs not used: GK – Evan Bush; D – Zarek Valentin, Dennis Iapichino; M – Lamar Neagle
NE: GK – Bobby Shuttleworth; D – Darrius Barnes, A.J. Soares, Chris Tierney, Kevin Alston, M - Clyde Simms, Diego Fagundez (Blair Gavin 64’), Ryan Guy, Fernando Cardenas (Kelyn Rowe 68’); F - Jerry Bengtson (Dimitry Imbongo 81’), Benny Feilhaber
Subs not used: GK – Matt Reis; M – Sainey Nyassi; F - Alec Purdie, Blake Brettschneider
GOAL:
NE – A.J. Soares (Tierney) 88’
