Three goals in the second half powered the Montreal Impact to a 4-1 win over the Toronto Lynx in front of 6,831 spectators in a game totally dominated by Montreal. Nevio Pizzolitto, Joel Bailey, Mauricio Vincello and Frederick Commodore scored for the Impact while Toronto's goal was the result of a Montreal own goal.
The first half started slowly as both teams were checking each other out. Montreal had the first chance in the 12th minute when Bailey sent a terrific cross into the Toronto box that midfielder Jason DiTullio weakly headed into Toronto keeper Bryheem Hancock's arms. Just a minute later Bailey was fed a great pass in the box but shot wide. In the 15th minute, team captain Mauro Biello headed another great cross wide. The Impact was the first to score in the 25th minute when Patrick Leduc sent a free kick into the box that Pizzolitto headed in from 3 yards out. Montreal 1 Toronto 0.
The Lynx equalized just three minutes later on a bizarre play when a header by Ali Gerba went off the post and off Montreal keeper Greg Sutton's chest into the net. Montreal 1 Tortonto 1.
The weird goal deflated the Impact somewhat and both teams could not muster much heading into the half-time break.
In the second half Montreal kicked it up a notch. In the 48th minute with a play almost identical to the first goal, Patrick Leduc sent a free kick into the box that Bailey headed in for the score. Montreal 2 Toronto 1.
Toronto had a couple of chances including one in the 65th minute when Gerba sent a rocket from just outside the box that gave Sutton a great deal of trouble. Just four minutes later, Vincello pounced on a ball that Hancock had punched out and sent a low precise shot into the net. Montreal 3 Toronto 1.
The yellow card festival began at this point with players fouling each other with regularity (Toronto dominated the fouls 20-17). Toronto made several substitutions to try and jump start their offence but it proved futile. Adrian Serioux was given his second yellow card of the night in injury time. Montreal put another goal in when Commodore converted a pass from substitute Niki Budalic. Montreal 4 Toronto 1.
A shoving match between Toronto coach Duncan Wilde and Impact coach Nick De Santis started immediately after the referee blew the whistle to signal full time. Players separated the two before any damage could be done.
Greg Sutton was pleased with his team's offensive output saying, "Today, our offence picked it up." He was less than enthusiastic about the own goal he allowed calling it "a weird situation." Although his team easily dominated the game, De Santis did not think had a great game saying, "We can play better than that."
Both teams will play again tomorrow night in Toronto.
Game notes: Mauro Biello tied a team record making his 219th appearance in a Montreal Impact uniform. If he plays tomorrow night he will surpass Nick De Santis as the player with the most appearances with the Impact.
Lineups:
Montreal: Sutton (GK), Gervais, Pizzolitto, Vincello, DiTullio, Leduc (Selaidopolous 87), Roberto, Ribeiro (Barker 70), Bailey (Commodore 70), Sebrango (Kolic 81), Biello (Budalic 76). Substitutes not used: Olivieri (GK), Haineault.
Toronto: Hancock (GK), Mayard (Arango 58), Mattachione, Blois, Serioux, Bartolomeu (Di Placido 57), Munthali, Dodds, Hughes (Prostan 76), Gerba (Pavic 72), Nusum. Substitutes not used: Goddard (GK), Steele.
Goals:
Montreal: Pizzolitto (25), Bailey (48), Vincello (69), Commodore (90).
Toronto: Own goal by Sutton (28)
Cautions:
Toronto: Serioux(53), Pavic (81), Munthali (88), Serioux (89 ejection due to second yellow)
Montreal: Roberto (76), DiTullio (79)
Attendance: 6,831
Conditions: Cool (13 degrees Celsius) Field dry.
