MONTREAL, Quebec – The Montreal Impact tied Toronto FC 2-2 in Reserve League action on Saturday, at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex.
TFC forward Keith Makubuya opened the scoring in the 10th minute when he one-timed a low cross, originating from the right flank, which was curled behind the Impact defence by midfielder Nick Soolsma.
The Impact tied it up on a similar play in the 49th minute, when half-time substitute and invitee Carl Haworth, an Impact 2012 Supplemental Draft pick, sent a cross in from the right side of the box. Midfielder Sinisa Ubiparipovic one-timed the ball past TFC goalkeeper Quillan Roberts, low-right.
Forward Eduardo Sebrango gave the Impact the lead in the 64th minute following a nice build up from midfield. On the play Miguel Montano dribbled through centre field, crossing the ball to defender Tyson Wahl who was making a run down the left flank. Wahl took one touch and played a high ball into the box, where Sebrango put a powerful header past Roberts, short side.
TFC tied it up in stoppage time when a loose ball skidding around the box fell to Makubuya, whose shot from close range was deflected and beat Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush going the other way, officially called an own goal.
"It was nice to score and contribute offensively,” said Sebrango. “But it was a little disappointing that they scored in the last minute. It was difficult game with the rain and the field conditions.”
“We played a much better second half,” said Impact assistant coach Mike Sorber. “We scored two really nice goals and had some nice build ups offensively. Despite an unlucky bounce at the end, the guys that played had some good moments. It wasn’t an easy game, so it was about keeping our mentality, being a little quicker and winning our duels, which we did better in the second half.”
Bush made some key saves over the 90 minute. He came up big in the 34th minute, stopping a Makubuya shot from point blank range to deny him a second goal. Then in the 69th minute, he dove to his right to stop a header off of a free-kick, and got back up in time to stop the rebound from point blank range.
Defenders Zarek Valentin and Josh Gardner, along with forward Justin Braun, all made a return to game action from injury, playing the first half.
Impact U21
Due to weather conditions and to avoid the degradation of the field at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex, the game between the Impact U21 team and TFC Academy scheduled for tomorrow, at 2pm ET, will be played at Centre Sportif St-Jean-Vianney.
Next Game
The Impact returns to the pitch in Reserve League action at Claude-Robillard on Tuesday, June 5, versus the New England Revolution. The game is set for 10am and is also open to the public. Admittance is free of charge.
The Impact will play its next regular season game against the Seattle Sounders FC on June 16 at 7:30pm. This game will mark the official re-opening of Stade Saputo, expanded to 20,341 seats. New 12-game season ticket packages for all matches at Stade Saputo are available via impactmontreal.com, or by calling 514-328-3668.
Lineups:
MTL: GK – Evan Bush; D – Zarek Valentin (Bryan Arguez 45’), Shavar Thomas, Karl Ouimette, Josh Gardner (Tyson Wahl 45’); M – Sinisa Ubiparipovic, Miguel Montano, Lamar Neagle, Calum Mallace; F - Andrew Wenger (Eduardo Sebrango 45’), Justin Braun (Carl Haworth 45’)
Unused Substitutes: GK – Greg Sutton;
U21 player
Invited player
TFC: GK – Quillan Roberts; D-Jeremy Hall (Roberto Galle 85’), Dicoy Williams, Ty Harden (Nicola Paunic 74’), Miguel Aceval (Tyler Pasher 62’); M-Junior Burgos, Matt Stinson, Mario Orestano, Nick Soolsma, F – Keith Makubuya, Jordan Hamilton
GOALS:
TFC – Makubuya 11’
MTL – Ubiparipovic 49’
MTL - Sebrango 64’
MTL - Own Goal 92’
CAUTIONS:
MTL – Gardner 13’
TFC – Williams 28’
TFC - Hall 56’
TFC - Orestano 62’
MTL - Neagle 83’
