Montreal Impact News Release - www.montrealimpact.com

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

MONTREAL, QC -- A goal from midfielder Tony Donatelli in the 10th minute of play gave the Montreal Impact (7-9-4; 25 points) a 1-0 win over the Rochester Rhinos (7-8-8; 29 points), Wednesday, in front of 10,137 spectators at Saputo Stadium.

For Donatelli, it was his first career goal with the Impact. On the play, midfielder Patrick Leduc quickly executed a 20-meter free kick that Rhinos goalkeeper Scott Vallow redirected on the crossbar. Donatelli then took a header on the rebound, beating Vallow on the upper corner to his right.

With this win, the Impact has moved up to the 8th rank in the USL First Division standings, two points away from the seventh and last rank for a spot in the series.

“It was a tough game and Rochester had many chances,” said Impact head coach John Limniatis. “The first half was excellent for us. We had a bit more pressure in the second half and with our players injured, it was even more difficult. We are moving up in the standings gradually and this is how we make it to the playoffs and how a championship is won.”

“It’s a very satisfying result,” said midfielder Patrick Leduc. “It has been a long time since we have won two consecutive games. It was a tough match as well as an excellent result for us. We did not allow a single goal for two straight games and it’s these types of results that will help us for the rest of the season.”

The Impact has also improved its record at home against the Rhinos, which is now 18-2-2 (35GF - 6GA).

Goalkeeper Matt Jordan registered a second straight shutout, his seventh of the season, after facing nine shots.

Trois-Rivières Attak forward Jean-Louis Bessé played his first career game with the Impact when he replaced Severino Jefferson in the 79th minute.

Midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo reached the 5,000 minutes played mark with the Impact (5,081 minutes).

Several Impact regular players missed the game. Forward Roberto Brown (suspended) and midfielder Félix Brillant (suspended), as well as defenders Gabriel Gervais (thigh), Adam Braz (thigh), Nevio Pizzolitto (back) and midfielder Rocco Placentino (knee) - all four injured - were not on the lineup.

The Impact will play its next game this Saturday, August 16, against the Timbers in Portland (10 pm, USLlive.com).

HIGHLIGHTS
40th minute – Rhinos forward Johnny Menyongar headed past a defender and found himself alone in front of Montreal goalkeeper Matt Jordan. His low shot inside the box went just to the left of the goal.

51st minute – Rhinos midfielder Andrew Gregor took a strong free kick of less than 20 meters directly towards the Impact goal, but goalkeeper Matt Jordan made the save with a dive to his left.

67th minute – Midfielder Joey Gjertsen went past a Rhinos defender on the right wing before taking a high shot inside the penalty box. His curved shot was stopped by Rhinos goalkeeper Scott Vallow, who dove to his left.

79th minute – Rhinos forward Matthew Delicate took a high shot of about 25 meters that hit the crossbar.