Terry Dunfield's second-half goal proved the difference as Vancouver Whitecaps FC defeated the Montreal Impact in the first leg of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship semifinals on Wednesday at Stade Saputo in Montreal.
It was fittingly a Canadian connection that generated the winner for the ‘Caps in their battle for Canadian supremacy, as Dunfield finished a cross in from 18-year-old winger Russell Teibert in the 67th minute.
Vancouver had the first good chance of the game nine minutes into the match, with Dunfield sending a left-footed strike just wide of goal. The ‘Caps had another opportunity two minutes later as Teibert sent a ball into the box to Camilo, but the Brazilian’s low strike rolled a foot wide of the far post.
Montreal looked to get on the board in the 17th minute, but Luke Kremalmayer’s cross was well cut out by Jay Nolly. Vancouver responded with a pair of shots of their own. Jonathan Leathers hit the top of the crossbar with a lob in the 18th minute before Camilo unleashed a shot from 25 yards out two minutes later that was well-saved by Bill Gaudette.
Impact striker Ali Gerba created a dangerous moment in the 41st when he nearly tracked down a long through ball in the Whitecaps box, but his touch failed him as it rolled off his foot and out of play. Montreal came close to taking the lead as the half ended with former Whitecaps player Zurab Tsiskaridze striking a fine left-footed shot just wide of the top corner, sending the teams into the break knotted at 0-0.
Montreal were on the attack a minute into the second half when Anthony Le Gall came streaking down the left hand side, but his shot in the end was easily gathered by Nolly. The ‘Caps responded in the 57th minute with Blake Wagner whipping in a ball towards the Impact goal that just eluded the foot of Camilo. Vancouver kept up the pressure with Hassli having a low shot saved by Gaudette inb the 62nd, while a header from Mouloud Akloul was easily snagged by Gaudette three minutes later.
The ‘Caps finally broke through for the opener in the 67th. After Teibert got the ball on the left hand side, the young winger sent in a pinpoint cross to Dunfield who then headed home a fine diving header for a 1-0 advantage.
Montreal pressed for an equalizer but could not come up with any clear scoring chances in the final 20 minutes as the ‘Caps held on. Vancouver now take their one-goal advantage into the second leg at home on May 4 at Empire Field.
Scoring Summary:
VAN -- Dunfield 67' (Teibert)
Misconduct Summary:
MTL -- Hatchi, caution 62'
Lineups:
Vancouver Whitecaps FC -- 18. Jay Nolly; 25. Jonathan Leathers, 2.Michael Boxall, 4. Alain Rochat, 19. Blake Wagner; 20. Davide Chiumiento (22. Shea Salinas ‘79), 7. Terry Dunfield, 50. Mouloud Akloul, 31. Russell Teibert; 37. Camilo (16. Nizar Khlafan ‘69), 29. Eric Hassli
Unused substitutes: 1. Joe Cannon; 14. Greg Janicki; 32. Kevin Harmse, 8. Wes Knight; 23. Long Tan
Montreal Impact -- 1. Bill Gaudette; 21. Philippe Billy, 99. Kevin Hatchi, 5. Nevio Pizzolitto, 77. Zurab Tsiskaridze; 11. Leonardo Di Lorenzo (28. Idriss Ech Chergui ‘69), 8. Luke Kreamalmeyer (30. Pierre-Rudolph Mayard ‘75), 17. Anthony Le Gall, 12. Amir Lowery (23. Antonio Ribeiro ‘75), 7. David Testo; 10. Ali Gerba
Unused substitutes: 22. Evan Bush; 2. Hicham Aaboubou, 3. Richard Pelletier; 24. Simon Gatti
Referee: Carol Anne Chenard
Assistants: Daniel Belleau, Philippe Brière
4th official: John Oliva
