Edward P. Dittmer (Hershey, PA)
Montreal capped off is comeback from a disastrous season on Saturday night by beating another top A-League side with a 2-1 victory over Hershey. The victory was a warning shot fired across the bow of the league's playoff bound teams. While talent may get you so far, determination and drive can make the difference in the end.
Hershey did not give the game away by any means. They played a solid game and had two decisive shots go off the woodwork. However, Montreal outplayed them with sheer work rate. There were always blue clad players surrounding the ball whether on offense or defense. The team relentlessly harassed the Wildcats and forced them to make errors.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 20th minute immediately after Hershey had a goal waved off due to offside. Rather than watch the Wildcats set themselves, the Impact set off with the free kick and attack. Patrice Bernier took the ball and dribbled into the box. While Rich Sletvold was able to block Bernier's attempt, Giuliano Oliviero was present to volley the deflection into the net.
Earlier, Hershey had received news that Greg Simmonds and Steve Klein, who had been called up by DC United, would not play for the MLS. Both worked hard to try and level the score. But the tenacious midfield of the Impact stymied most attacks. Hershey's best opportunity came off a Greg Simmonds header, which hit the inside of the post and was cleared by Montreal.
The difference between the teams was never more apparent as Darko Kolic extended the lead in the 37th minute for Montreal. Hershey seemed unable, despite the presence of several players, to clear the ball from the area. Eventually, Kolic stepped up and his partially blocked shot rolled into the net. Too many Wildcats were content to stand rather than to move to the ball and remove it from danger.
The second half showed some promise for the hosts as they displayed a little more energy than in the first. Greg Simmonds nearly took one back in the 52nd as his free kick from just outside the area clanged off the post and again bounced clear. Montreal, in the spirit of Fan Appreciation Giveaway Night, decided to give one back to the Wildcats. In clear view of the official, Jamel Mitchell was held in the area by Abraham Francois. The decision seemed a bit dubious as Mitchell was not obstructed, but the referee had to call the foul.
Simmonds converted the penalty in the 56th. While this score brought some life into the Cats, their play was not enough to overcome the first half deficit. Montreal remained determined to leave with the biggest prize of the evening. Montreal's only black mark turned out to be their collection of yellow cards. The Impact walked away with six on the evening for various offenses.
Jim Larkin closed out Montreal's season with a pair of great plays in the last two minutes to protect the lead and the victory. Montreal, who saw seven players sacked in mid-season, has returned with a vengeance. The true shame of Saturday's match was that Montreal would not be able to carry their recovery into the playoffs. They have given some hope to the lower seeds in the playoffs that if you come out to play, you can come out the victor.
Hershey, on the other hand, will not catch Rochester for the fourth playoff seed and first-round home field advantage. They will instead travel to Rochester for the first round. Their last regular season game comes against Pittsburgh on Labor Day.
Notes: Hershey had 3,008 on hand for the giveaway night. Your match reporter came away empty handed.
In post-game awards: Ze Roberto was named Rookie of the year. Jamel Mitchell was named offensive player of the year. Mike Williams is defensive player of the year.
