Dans The Gazette

[Bxl Boy]

Impact head coach Bob Lilley has had a couple of sleepless nights since his team was eliminated by the Rochester Raging Rhinos in the A-League soccer quarterfinals Sunday, but it's time to look ahead.

"We're disappointed with the result, but not disappointed with what we accomplished and what the season brought," Lilley said yesterday.

"There were a lot of positives. The development of a lot of young players has continued and I think the new players that came in this year also showed that there's a bright future for the club.

"It's tough when you don't get the big prize at the end. Nineteen teams started the season and during the regular season, we were at the top. We wanted to win a championship and it didn't happen this year. But we put ourselves in the position, and that's what we expect every year," Lilley said.

"We all know that at playoff time you need some breaks and some bounces. I think we did everything to create our luck and our chances, and still it wasn't our year. But I think our players rose to the challenge. That's what I'm most proud of."

Despite winning the Northeast Division regular-season title, the Impact fell victim to the Raging Rhinos in the two-game, total-goal quarter-

final. Montreal dropped the first game 2-1 in Rochester last Friday and the teams battled to a goalless draw in the deciding game Sunday at Claude Robillard Stadium.

It marked the fourth time since Rochester joined the league in 1996 that the Impact failed to get past its division rival in the playoffs. Montreal also lost to Rochester in 1996, 1998 and 2002.

The Impact played without forward Ed Sebrango, who led the team in scoring before suffering a knee injury that led to season-ending surgery. Team captain and midfielder Nick DeSantis (Achilles tendon), and veteran midfielder Lloyd Barker (knee) also were missing.

Was Sebrango particularly missed?

"There's no question that we missed him and that he's a valuable member of the team," Lilley said. "But we were a strong team the last few years even through injuries, and I think that's the most important thing."

Lilley said that approximately two-thirds of this year's roster is under contract for next season. The focus will be on further improvement.

"I think we can certainly get better," he said. "I think we've done an amazing thing over the last two years. When I see where this team and the organization was when I first came here to start the 2002 season, and see all the things done by the players, staff and the ownership group, we've grown by leaps and bounds and we want to continue to match that upward spiral on the field, as well.

"I'd like to put more balls in the back of the net next year. Bring other attackers into the mix. Our depth is good, but we're always looking for quality. I think any professional team, if you want to be top dog, you have to continue to try to improve."

Among the highlights this season was goalkeeper Greg Sutton, who yesterday was named the league's best goalkeeper.

Sutton had a record of 15 wins, six losses and five ties, with 11 shutouts. His 20 goals allowed was the fewest in the league and he finished with 0.73 goals-against average.

"I'd trade the award to be still playing," Sutton said. "Being out of the playoffs after the season we had is painful."

Sutton is one of a handful of players whose contracts have to be renewed for next season, but he doesn't anticipate problems.

"Obviously, I'd like to come back," he said. "I think the organization as a whole is excellent from the bottom to the top. I know we have a chance to do really well next year and I'd like to be back to be a part of it."

[Daniel]

"I'd like to put more balls in the back of the net next year. Bring other attackers into the mix."

Ah ouais? Pourquoi Bob, le banc se refroidissait-il trop quand diTullio ou Williams embarquaient?

[Bxl Boy]

Je crois qu'il parle du filet dans lequel on met plein de ballons
Tu vois, celui qu'on utilise à l'entraînement
C'est pas possible autrement
Et puis, sinon, il peut se recycler en ramasseur de balles

[Daniel]

Je crois qu'il parle du filet dans lequel on met plein de ballons
Tu vois, celui qu'on utilise à l'entraînement
C'est pas possible autrement
Et puis, sinon, il peut se recycler en ramasseur de balles

Hmm, pêut-être il parle de notre filet. Mettre plus de ballons derrière NOTRE filets, comme ça les ramasseurs de balles pourront les remettre en jeu plus rapidement après une des nombreuses attaques adverses ratées (et coup de pied de but).

[BoB]

si Lilley est engagé l'an prochain, on pourrait faire une action commune: "union contre Lilley". Un peu comme Union contre la répression des groupes ultras francais.

On fait tous une banderolle avec ce message qu'on apporte à chaque match!! Chaque fois qu'il est présenté on le hue....

À moins qu'il change complètement son non-système de jeu l'an prochain!

Je veux pas avoir le titre du spectateur qui a vu le moins de buts à domicile de la ligue!