Montreal downs Toronto in debut
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Sunday, May 23, 2004 - Montreal Xtreme News Release
LACHINE, QUE -- The Montreal Xtreme’s first ever game drew 1634 spectators at Catalogna Soccerplexe in Lachine. The team, led by head-coach Alexandre Da Rocha, did not disappoint its supporters winning 4-1 against the visiting Toronto Inferno.
Team captain Amy Walsh opened the scoring with Montreal’s first ever goal on a penalty kick in the third minute of play. Midfielder Véronique Maranda (36th) doubled the score, completing a play orchestrated by Isabelle Morneau and Josée Bélanger.
In the second half, Bélanger (47th and 70th) continued her solid offensive play with the first two goals of her W-League career, the first on a strong individual effort and the second on a great assist from Morneau.
The Inferno’s reply came from Kate Bazos (76th). The Montreal Xtreme dominated the Inferno in shots 21-5, carrying the play for a large part of the game. Karina Leblanc, keeper for the Xtreme, won her first ever start in the W-League.
“We played well and I’m very satisfied with the turn of events," said head coach Alexandre Da Rocha. "We scored early in the game and that really set the tone for the entire match."
“Wow! I’m so proud of the team," explained David Craig, the Xtreme’s President. "We could not have asked for a better scenario. I’m very pleased with the crowd response. We will try to build on our success every game.”
“A game like this one will bring me more confidence," said the 18-year-old striker Bélanger, chosen first star of the game. "With a player like Isabelle by my side it will help me a lot.”
“I think we gave a good show to the fans," said Morneau. "We proved today that we are going to be a team to take seriously. I enjoyed playing forward like when I was young.”
The Montreal Xtreme will play its next game on Saturday, May 29th against the Sudbury Canadians at Catalogna Soccerplexe in Lachine at 2PM. In preparation for their next match the Xtreme will face the U19 Canadian Women’s National Team for a friendly match on May 25th at the Catalogna Soccerplexe in Lachine.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx mtlfan 135 Posts Posted - 05/24/2004 : 14:55:28 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Montreal have much work to do despite a clear victory. Three players absent (two were to arrive via car from the USA and Lisa Collison' flight delayed), Toronto had to dress injured Melanie Booth who had to stand near the touchline since she couln't run. The officiating was not helping either as a penalty was given to the home team as the result of a slide tackle in the box. The problem was the Inferno player had played the ball for what should have been a corner kick. Montreal took the play to the Inferno who held the fort despite being over-matched. The Toronto players never surrendered. The Toronto head coach Tom McManus is very impressed with his squad. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edited by - mtlfan on 05/24/2004 14:59:37
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