IMPACT WINS 2-1 IN ATLANTA

[François]

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
July 26, 2003
IMPACT WINS 2-1 IN ATLANTA
Zé Roberto scores winner at 90th minute to put Montreal back alone in first place

CLARKSTON, Georgia — A goal by Zé Roberto at the 90th minute of play, scored on a header following a cross by Martin Nash, gave the Montreal Impact a 2-1 win against the Atlanta Silverbacks, Saturday, at DeKalb Memorial Stadium.

The Brazilian midfielder picked up his fifth goal of the season. All were scored on headers. He also picked up an assist on Montreal’s first goal, scored by Mauro Biello, that tied the score at 1-1 at the 77th minute. His through ball sent the Impact captain on a breakaway.

Biello collected his sixth goal of the season to get back on top of the Impact scoring race with a total of 16 points, one point ahead of Eduardo Sebrango. Sebrango, who is nursing a knee injury, did not make the trip to Atlanta and was replaced by Nash up front — at least until the last half-hour of play. Coach Bob Lilley then moved him back to midfield, after pushing Biello and defender Gabriel Gervais up front.

"We had some scoring chances in the first half, so it was a bit frustrating to see them take the lead," said Lilley. "But we showed a lot of character, because this was a game that we had labelled as a must win. The ball didn’t bounce our way, but we were still persistent enough to come up with the win."

It was only the second time this season the Impact came out on top after trailing at halftime. The Impact has a 8-3-1 away record so far this season.

The Silverbacks took a 1-0 lead at the 17th minute following a goal by Jordy Broder. He took hold of a loose ball at the goal mouth following a free kick by Mac Cozier that was headed in by Joard Odera, and put the ball behind Impact goalkeeper Greg Sutton.

"Atlanta has given many good teams a tough time this season," added Lilley. "All points are golden in this league, so you can never take anything for granted. You’re in a dog fight every time you step on the field."

The victory not only puts the Impact back on top of the Northeast Division, three points ahead of the Rochester Raging Rhinos, but also pushes Montreal alone in first place in overall A-League standings with a record of 13-5-3.

"We’re back in first place, where we want to be as we get ready for the playoffs," said Biello. "We want to distance ourselves from the other teams. We don’t want to have to look over our shoulders, we want to go forward."

The Impact, who lost 1-0 to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at home, Wednesday, has yet to lose twice in a row this season.

The Impact will be back in action Wednesday night, at Claude-Robillard Stadium, as it takes on the Rochester Rhinos in the Can-Am Cup championship final (7:30 pm).

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SOURCE: bcomm