MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact and FC Dallas played to a scoreless draw on Saturday night in front of its first sellout this season of 20,801 spectators, the biggest crowd ever at Stade Saputo.
With the draw, the Impact remains tied with the New York Red Bulls for second spot in the Eastern Conference standings with 32 points.
Justin Mapp, who was named the Videotron Player of the match, earned the Impact’s first scoring chance in the 26th minute when he hit the crossbar. After cutting inside from the right flank, the midfielder took a few touches before firing a left-footer from 30 yards out that hammered the crossbar.
FC Dallas came close in the 36th minute when a cross from deep down the right flank found forward Kenny Cooper near the six-yard-box, but his header was caught by goalkeeper Troy Perkins, who recorded his 5th shutout of the season.
In the 44th minute, a shot by Impact forward Daniele Paponi was deflected in the box and fell to team captain Davy Arnaud, but his attempt from in close was blocked.
The second half saw much of the action played in midfield as the Impact and FC Dallas exchanged possession, but couldn’t penetrate the final third.
In the 73rd minute, second half sub Andres Romero played Mapp through with a lob pass, but the Impact midfielder’s attempted chip was blocked as FCD’s keeper Raul Fernandez, who came charging out.
Five minutes later, a cross from Mapp near the goal line down the right flank bounced for Jeb Brovsky, but his left-footer from distance was bobbled and then scooped up by Fernandez.
The Impact was forced to play without Designated Player and striker Marco Di Vaio for the first time since August 4, 2012, versus Philadelphia, due to family reasons.
Post-game comments
“Our team was very strong-willed tonight,” said Impact head coach Marco Schällibaum. “The will to win was there and we were very well-organized and solid defensively. After playing a game like that, we would have liked the win.”
“Our performance was like night and day when comparing our last few games,” said Patrice Bernier. “We pushed and we controlled the game well. We are satisfied with our effort and now we have a solid game to keep building on.”
“It’s one of those nights where we just couldn’t seem to find the back of net,” added Justin Mapp. “We have a veteran team with a lot of experienced guys so I knew we would rebound well from last week’s performance.”
Upcoming games
The Impact plays its next MLS regular season game at Stade Saputo against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, July 27, at 7pm ET.
Meanwhile, the Impact will face the Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro) in MLS Reserve League action this Sunday at 2pm at Stade Saputo. The game will be open to the public and free of charge.
In the first matchup earlier this year, these clubs played to a 1-1 draw on June 7 at Sahlen’s Stadium. The Impact has a record of 27 wins, 17 losses and 8 ties in 52 regular season games against the Rochester Rhinos, in second division, between 1996 and 2010.
Lineups
MTL – GK-Troy Perkins; D-Hassoun Camara, Matteo Ferrari, Alessandro Nesta, Jeb Brovsky; M-Justin Mapp, Davy Arnaud, Patrice Bernier, Felipe (Andrés Romero 71’), Sanna Nyassi (Blake Smith 86’); F-Daniele Paponi (Andrew Wenger 76’)
Subs not used: GK-Evan Bush; D-Dennis Iapichino; M-Wandrille Lefèvre, Andrea Pisanu, Collen Warner
DAL – GK-Raul Fernandez; D-Zach Loyd, Matt Hedges, George John, Jair Benitez; M-David Ferreira, Je-Vaughn Watson (Bradlee Baladez 63’), Andrew Jacobson, Michel (Ramon Nunez 46’); F-Eric Hassli (89’), Kenny Cooper
Subs not used: GK-Chris Seitz; D-London Woodberry; M-Victor Ulloa; F-Jonathan Top
Cautions
DAL – Watson 59’
MTL – Paponi 61’
MTL – Arnaud 70’
DAL – Cooper 83’
DAL – Hassli 84’
