MONTREAL – There are more cracks in Jeb Brovsky's nose than there were good chances on goal at Stade Saputo on Wednesday night.
The Montreal Impact right back’s nose was fractured in six places in the last moments of the Amway Canadian Championship final first leg. Brovsky got the worst of an aerial duel with Vancouver Whitecaps defender Jordan Harvey in the penalty box and left the field with his face a bloody mess.
Brovsky nevertheless came back to finish the game with gauze up his nose. He left for the hospital immediately after the game, while his coach and teammates told the media of their admiration for him.
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“That’s Jeb,” simply said Impact coach Marco Schällibaum. “He’s a warrior. It’s impressive. That’s also why I love this team. His nose was here [on his cheekbone]. You have to respect players like that, who give everything they have for their team.”
Hassoun Camara went a step further.
“He’s my hero,” Camara said. “I mean, he strings games together regularly, and at a high level. I’m really proud to play with a player like him. With the mentality he instills in his partners, he’s an example. I hope it’s not too bad.”
Sat next to Camara, Patrice Bernier suggested that Brovsky would take a leaf out of Aurélien Collin's book, circa August 2012.
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“We’re going to put a mask on him anyway,” Bernier said, eliciting laughter in the media room. “And I’m pretty sure he’ll want to play with that mask on.”
The Impact announced Thursday that Brovsky underwent plastic surgery to repair his nose and will be held out of training for one week. He will wear a small plastic brace on his nose.
"The surgery went well and now he just needs the time to heel," said Impact sporting director Nick De Santis. "He puts everything onto the field every moment. When you play like Jeb does, these things can happen. It's part of the game, but we know that he's going to fight back to get into the lineup as soon as possible."
"We are really pleased that there was no fracture to the facial area," added Impact assistant Mauro Biello. "Jeb has been an important player for us and we will re-evaluate his condition in a few days."
