ORLANDO, Florida – The Impact remains undefeated in preseason action, tying D.C. United 1-1 (1-0 at half-time), Saturday afternoon, in its final group game of the Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic tournament, presented at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Midfielder Andrea Pisanu scored for the Impact, while Kyle Porter replied for D.C.
With the draw, the Impact finished the three-game group stage in top spot in group B and will play the final on Saturday, February 23, at 8pm against Columbus.
The Impact opened the score in the 16th minute on a spectacular overhead kick from midfielder Andrea Pisanu. Following a cross from forward Marco Di Vaio, Pisanu hit the rebound, surprising goalkeeper Bill Hamid who came out of his net.
In the 85th minute, Kyle Porter scored the equalizer with a blast from just outside the box, out of the reach of Impact goalkeeper Troy Perkins.
“We defended well and for the most part, we played a solid game, but it wasn’t our best game,” said Impact head coach Marco Schällibaum. I’m not completely satisfied with the way we got this result. However, we have qualified for the final.”
“We want to win this tournament and we are now closer to our objective,” said defender Alessandro Nesta. “It will be a good test for us since Columbus is a good team. The final will be a good stepping stone for our season opener on March 2 against Seattle. I want to have a good season with the Impact and help the team in what could be my last season.”
In the 20th minute, Perkins robbed forward Lionard Pajoy, following a bicycle kick by midfielder Dwayne De Rosario that was blocked by an Impact defender.
In the 69th minute, Chris Pontius fired one from just inside the box, but the shot went just over the bar of Perkins’ net.
Midfielder Patrice Bernier had a good chance in the 80th minute, after dribbling into the box, but his shot went wide right of goal.
Matchup versus Orlando City S.C.
The Impact returns to the pitch on Wednesday, at 3pm, to play an exhibition game against Orlando City S.C. (USL Pro), at the Seminole Soccer Complex, in Sanford.
Season Tickets
2013 season tickets are now available in seven categories, at a cost of $295, $385, $475, $580, $770 and $1070. You can assure your spot for the 2013 season by contacting the Impact’s sales and services team at 514-328-3668. Show your support for your club by paying for your tickets using your Montreal Impact BMO credit card.
Lineups
MTL – GK-Troy Perkins; D-Jeb Brovsky, Matteo Ferrari, Alessandro Nesta (Karl W. Ouimette 80’), Hassoun Camara; M- Patrice Bernier, Justin Mapp, Felipe (Sanna Nyassi 87’), Davy Arnaud (Andrés Romero 70’) , Andrea Pisanu (Collen Warner 63’); F-Marco Di Vaio (Andrew Wenger 78’)
D.C. – G-Bill Hamid; D-Korb, McDonald, Jakovic, Woolard; DeLeon, Saragosa, Kitchen, Pontius; De Rosario, Pajoy
GOALS
MTL – Pisanu (Di Vaio) 16’
D.C. – Porter 85’
CAUTIONS
MTL – Arnaud 40’
D.C. – McDonald 40’
MTL – Di Vaio 44’
D.C. – Riley 51’
