Recap: Nyassi volley gives Impact crucial 2-1 win over NE

MONTREAL – Canada and the New England Revolution just don’t get along.

After first-half goals by Montreal’s Patrice Bernier and New England’s Lee Nguyen, a wonderful volley by Sanna Nyassi in the second half made the difference in Wednesday’s 2-1 win on Wednesday for the Impact – their second straight at Stade Saputo – against the Revolution, who are now 0-3-5 north of the border.

Bernier gave Montreal the lead in the 28th minute on a penalty kick, but not before the referee had him re-take his attempt not once, but twice. Nguyen equalized with a blast from long range that hit the bar and rebounded off the legs of an airborne Donovan Ricketts and into the back of the net.

FULL LINEUPS AND BOX SCORE

Nyassi’s strike came thanks to a Justin Mapp cross from the left. The Gambian, standing at the far post, did not let Mapp’s pass hit the ground before blasting it first-time past Matt Reis.

HIGHLIGHTS: MTL 2, NE 1

Nguyen had almost put the Revolution ahead as early as the second minute, when Ricketts got caught out of position as he tried to pick up a through ball but fumbled. Nguyen controlled the ball and tried a shot which whacked Hassoun Camara in the nose, though New England appealed for handball on the Frenchman.

The penalty call against the Revolution was down to a Nyassi run on the edge of the box that Di Vaio spotted. The Italian released his teammate into space, and Chris Tierney could not help but get ahold of Nyassi’s shoulder in the area, bringing down the speedy Gambian. Bernier’s spot kick was the first conceded by New England this season.

Montreal thought their lead would follow them to the dressing room, but Nguyen had other plans. Kelyn Rowe embarked on a brilliant slalom in the 44th minute, creating space for Nguyen, who regularly found space between the lines. His shot and the following pinball action delighted the handful of Revolution supporters in the East Stand of Stade Saputo.

OPTA Chalkboard: Nyassi's speed torments Revs

Both teams came back from the break with intent, with the Revolution generally controlling the play in midfield. Montreal’s passing seemed off, particularly in the dangerous central zones. It was somehow fitting that Nyassi’s game-winner came from a cross, and the winger’s technique was superb.

As against Toronto FC last Saturday, the Revolution pushed hard for an equalizer but were denied. They forced center backs Camara and Shavar Thomas in a number of bold, but fair tackles in the penalty area. And this time, the Impact held their lead tight.

Both teams will hit the road in their next games, both on Saturday. The Revolution will visit Livestrong Sporting Park and Sporting Kansas City, while the Impact will face the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium.

MLSsoccer.com Men of the Match