Soccer Redmen stun Impact with win in exhibition play

(ALEX KING BATTLES FOR POSSESSION. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MONTREAL IMPACT)

BROSSARD, Que. -- The McGill University Redmen shocked the North American Soccer League's Montreal Impact 2-1 in an exhibition indoor match-up at the Bell Sports Complex in south-shore Brossard, Friday.

Forwards Sebastian Munro of Vancouver, B.C., and Alex King, a freshman from Detroit, had given the Redmen a 2-0 lead, scoring in the 70th and 75th minutes, respectively. Munro, a 6-foot-1, 183-pound freshman, took advantage of a loose ball to open the scoring, while King netted the winning tally on a breakaway after intercepting a pass at mid-field.

Midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer scored the lone Impact goal in the 80th minute on a penalty, following a foul committed on Anthony Le Gall in the 18-yard box. Kreamalmeyer fired a shot in the upper left corner, leaving no chance for McGill goalkeeper Matt Gilmour, a sophomore from North Vancouver, B.C.

"It was a total team effort and everybody contributed," said David Simon, head coach of the Redmen. "In the first half, the Impact put what appeared to be their best 11 on the field and they had most of the possession but we managed to defend as a unit and stay organized. Matt Gilmour made a few key saves to keep us in the game. In the second half, the Impact used a number of players from their Academy program and we produced more offensive play, which led to both of our goals."

Pierre-Rudolph Mayard had two scoring chances to open in the ninth minute, where both shots were stopped by Gilmour from the penalty spot. Kreamalmeyer was also robbed by Gilmour in the 12th minute.

"Overall, I most pleased with our ability to stay disciplined and focused for 90 minutes, something we have struggled with during the entire year," added Simon. "This can be an important win if we can replicate such performances next fall. It shows that we have the ability to do well but it is crucial that we become mentally strong. In no way should this game generate overconfidence for the upcoming months, merely some optimism."

"We played very well in the first 20 minutes, but we were unable to score on our opportunities," said Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. "We played against a well-organized side that played better as the game progressed.

"It's unfortunate that we lost this game, but the result is not the most important thing today. Many players from the Academy side, as well as players on tryouts were in the lineup today as we were looking to get some answers. However, on Sunday, we will approach our last preseason game as if we were facing Tampa Bay and our regulars will see more playing time."

Among the Impact players who were unavailable for the match due to injuries were defenders Hicham Aaboubou and Zurab Tsiskaridze, midfielder David Testo, as well as forwards Reda Agourram and Idriss Ech Chergui.

Academy midfielder Bastien Bourgault left the game in the 67th minute with an ankle injury. Midfielder Amir Lowery, who joined the Impact on Wednesday, took part to his first game with his new teammates.

The Impact will play their final preseason match on Sunday against a university all-star squad, at 1 pm, at the Bell Sports Complex, in Brossard before kicking off their NASL regular season on Saturday, April 9, in Tampa Bay. Their home opener is set for April 23 at Saputo Stadium.

SCORING SUMMARY

McGill Redmen 2, Montreal Impact 1

GOALS:
1. McGill: Sebastian Munro - 70:00
2. McGill: Alex King - 75:00
3. Montreal: Luke Kreamalmeyer - 80:00 (PK)

CAUTIONS:
McGill - Axel Dovi - 25:00
Montreal - Simon Gatti - 52:00
Montreal - Amir Lowery - 77:00

MONTREAL IMPACT LINEUP

GK-Bill Gaudette (Evan Bush, 45), D-Philippe Billy (Hugo Lapointe-Sénécal, 45), D-Nevio Pizzolitto (Karl Ouimette, 45), D-Kevin Hatchi (Amir Lowery, 61), D-Richard Pelletier (Amine Meftouh, 57), M-Luke Kreamalmeyer (Anthony Le Gall, 45), M-Antonio Ribeiro (Jared VanSchaik, 45), M-Hassoun Camara (Simon Gatti, 45) , M-Leonardo Di Lorenzo (Bastien Bourgault, 45, Luke Kreamalmeyer, 67), F-Ali Gerba (Miniane Diouf, 45), F-Pierre-Rudolph Mayard (Chris-Michel Rumuri, 45).

McGILL REDMEN LINEUP

GK-Matt Gilmour, D-James Allester (Alexandre McDougall, 65), D-Graeme Tingey, D-Alex Damianou, D-Thomas Lucas (capt.), M-Yohann Capolungo (Stephen Keefe, 65), M-Taren Roughead (Alexander Trotsky, 65), M-William Hoyle (Olivier Babineau, 45), M-Cory Marcon (Peter Valente, 60), F-Axel Dovi (Alexander King, 60), F-George Banks (Sebastian Munro, 60).

SOURCE:

Earl Zukerman

McGill Athletics & Recreation

514-398-7012