MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact fell to the Charleston Battery 1-0 Monday morning, in Reserve League play, under wet and rainy conditions at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex.
The game’s lone goal was scored in the 20th minute when Colin Falvey, alone at the far post, tapped in a Jarad van Schaik free kick that originated from the right flank.
In the loss, goalkeeper Maxim Crépeau put in a solid performance, making a number of good saves, including back-to-back stops in the 12th minute off of a free-kick and then again on a point blank shot in the 52nd minute when Zach Prince found a loose ball at the top of the box.
“The conditions weren’t ideal today. It was very slippery out there but both teams had to deal with that,” said Crépeau. “Despite the loss, allowing a goal off of a set piece, we were able to manage the game for the most part. For me, it was chance to play and I think I did well, making a few key saves to keep the team in the game, while understanding that there are still things I need to work on as a keeper.”
Not a lot of offence was created under the conditions, but when opportunities presented themselves, U23 striker Anthony Jackson-Hamel was in the thick of things with a sliding attempt that went over the bar in the game’s opening minutes and a late header that sailed just wide with the game winding down.
“These are games where we get to show what we got to the first team’s coaches,” explained Jackson. “I had a few chances but I wasn’t able to convert. When I play in reserve games, I always try to perform at the highest level, so I am not satisfied with the loss.”
The Impact will play its next MLS home game versus Toronto FC this Saturday, at 5pm EDT, at Stade Saputo.
Lineups
MTL – GK-Maxime Crépeau; D-Frank Zoué* (Nazim Benguendouz* 67’), Karl W. Ouimette (Eric Miller 69’), Wandrille Lefèvre, John Dinkota; M-Jeremy Gagnon-Laparé, Calum Mallace, Issey Nakajima-Farran, Frédéric Lajoie-Gravelle; F-Santiago Gonzalez, Anthony Jackson-Hamel
Subs not used: GK-Troy Perkins
ImpactU23
CHB – GK-Eric Shannon; D-Quinton Griffith, Colin Falvey (Shawn Ferguson 77’), Taylor Mueller, Emmanuel Adjobey; M-Jarad Van Schaik, Aminu Abdallah, Jose Cuevas (Justin Portillo 71’), Zach Prince, Adam Mena (Dante Marini 62’); F-Dave Kelly
Subs not used: D-John Wilson; A-Mamadou Diouf
Goal
CHB – Falvey (Van Schaik) 20’
Cautions
MTL – Gagnon-Laparé 11’
CHB – Cuevas 26’
