The Montreal Impact needed just one goal to take all three points from their CONCACAF Champions League opener, downing the San Jose Earthquakes, 1-0, in Quebec. San Jose drew a penalty in the first half, but Alan Gordon missed from the spot and his team never recovered.
Montreal Impact vs. San Jose Earthquakes: Final score 1-0, Hassoun Camara’s goal enough
The San Jose Earthquakes only had a small handful of chances and failed to capitalize on a penalty Wednesday night as the Montreal Impact took control of CONCACAF Champions League Group 5.
Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Collen Warner was the unfortunate offender of a handball in the 10th minute, at least in the eyes of the referee. A free kick by Ramiro Corrales struck the wall, and in the view of Javier Santos, the upper arm of the Montreal midfielder. Gordon stepped up to the spot and hit a weak shot, which was saved easily by Evan Bush.
Montreal turned the momentum from that save into an opening goal in the 16th minute. Marco Di Vaio drew a free kick from Brad Ring on the left flank and the Impact made the most of the ensuing free kick. Camara lost his man at the back post to get on the end of a ball by new Designated Player Hernan Bernardello and head into the back of the net.
Santos made another controversial decision late in the first half, though the controversy was in his unwillingness to blow the whistle on that occasion. Marvin Chavez was hacked down from behind by Daniele Paponi, who almost certainly deserved a booking for his challenge, but Santos didn't even call a foul. Chavez was injured badly enough that he had to exit the game on a stretcher and he was replaced by Sam Garza.
Garza made a quick impact early in the second half, hitting the crossbar on a free kick in the 52nd minute, but the Quakes would never get a better chance to score. The Impact had a strike of the woodwork in the second half as well, with Ferrari nodding off the bar after a cross by Justin Mapp in the 65th minute. San Jose brought Chris Wondolowski off the bench in the 70th minute in an attempt to steal a goal and a point late, but he was unable to make a serious impact on the match.
More in Soccer:
See More:
