MONTREAL – So far, so good at Stade Saputo.
The Montreal Impact have now scored eight goals in two games at their new home thanks to an entertaining 4-2 win over the Houston Dynamo on Saturday. Montreal’s Sanna Nyassi and Davy Arnaud, and Houston’s Brad Davis and Will Bruin traded goals in a frantic first half before Hassoun Camara and Patrice Bernier closed the deal for the Impact.
The first goal of the game was set up when Felipe released Nyassi into space behind the Houston defense. As the Gambian international tried to round Tally Hall, he stumbled and fell down on the grass but had time to lift his head and see the ball somehow trickle into the empty net. Nyassi could have gotten a second in the 14th minute, but was unable to finish from the outside of his foot.
Despite not creating much after Nyassi’s goal, Houston got an opportunity to equalize when Bernier tripped Colin Clark on the edge of the box. Davis unleashed a left footed curler towards the top right corner which Donovan Ricketts got a hand on but could not fully stop.
WATCH: Camara volleys home game winner
The Impact wasted no time in getting back in front: Jeb Brovsky released Justin Mapp on the left of the box, where he crossed towards Arnaud who outjumped Corey Ashe to nod the ball in.
Down a goal again, Houston rallied better this time around and managed good possession. Bruin’s sixth road goal this campaign – and his ninth overall – was well deserved. Brian Ching’s through ball, his third assist of the season, was exquisite.
After the break, Montreal came back from the locker room with extra determination. Montreal's pressure between the 45th and 60th minutes yielded six corners, the last of which produced Camara’s winning volley into the top left corner.
The Dynamo did not help themselves afterwards. Geoff Cameron conceded a penalty which Bernier duly converted to make it 4-2, while Adam Moffat was issued a straight red card for a rough foul on Felipe in the 73rd minute.
The Dynamo will be back in action next Saturday as they host the Philadelphia Union, while the Impact will welcome Marco Di Vaio into their squad against archrivals Toronto FC on Wednesday at Stade Saputo.
MLSsoccer.com Men of the Match
Rank |
Player |
What We Saw |
1 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/davy-arnaud" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Davy Arnaud</span></a> |
Impact captain used his head wisely, scoring in the 21st minute and using a deft flick to Camara in the 60th for the game winner. |
2 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/felipe" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Felipe</span></a> |
Brazilian gave Dynamo defense fits all game, assisting on the first goal before drawing a penalty on Geoff Cameron which iced the game. |
3 |
<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/brad-davis" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Brad Davis</span></a> |
The only real offensive life for Houston, Davis unleashed a left-footed bender from a free kick that left found the back of the net. |
