Wilson's header paces Impact
Impact 1, Lynx 0. Pounces on miscue by Toronto 'keeper
PAT HICKEY
The Gazette
Monday, May 16, 2005
Impact coach Nick DeSantis has one word to describe Kevin Wilson.
"He's opportunistic," DeSantis said yesterday after Wilson scored the only goal as the Impact ran its undefeated record to 3-0-2 with a 1-0 victory over the Toronto Lynx.
"That's the thing about goal-scorers; they're always looking for a way to put the ball in the net," DeSantis said.
Wilson scored his third goal of the season in the 50th minute when he took advantage of a small mistake by Toronto goalkeeper Theo Zagar. Zagar managed to get his hands on a crossing ball from Mauro Biello, but was unable to hold on and Wilson was able to get his head on the loose ball at the far post.
Defender Mauricio Vincello started the play when he found Biello in the clear on the left side. Biello made a good run to get a clear shot on goal, but was a little short.
"We knew that there were holes in their defence," Biello said. "We had some chances in the first half. I just tried to get the ball to the net hoping that even if I didn't score, we'd have a chance at a rebound."
Biello said the bumpy field conditions made it difficult as did the fact both teams have players who have played for the other team.
"There's a lot of pride and intensity in play there," Biello said.
While the goal provided the Impact with three points and a chance to move into second place in the United Soccer Leagues First Division, DeSantis heaped praise on the club's defensive effort.
Greg Sutton made four saves as he registered his fourth consecutive shutout. He lowered his goals-against average for the season to an impressive 0.20.
"We haven't given up a goal since the first game of the season," DeSantis said. "Our success starts with the defence, so we're proud of what we did today."
The Impact's depth was tested in this game. Defender Adam Braz and midfielder Sandro Grande are suffering from groin injuries and didn't make the trip.
And defender Nevio Pizzolitto was replaced by Adrian Cann in the 34th minute. Pizzolitto suffered a possible concussion after a collision with Toronto's Ali Ngon-Gerba. The contact resulted in a yellow card for the Toronto player.
"I feel better now, but I had a concussion a few years ago and this felt the same," said Pizzolitto, who took an elbow to the head earlier in the game. Ngon-Gerba had the best scoring chance in the first half when there was a loose ball in the 18-yard box in the 10th minute. Sutton, who had been knocked to the turf, was able to recover in time to reach out and grab the ball as Ngon-Gerba kicked it.
"There was a little bit of a mix-up in communication between Greg and (Gabriel Gervais),"
DeSantis said. "We have to be careful about things like that."
On the ensuing rush, the Impact's Wilson made a good run up the left side and was one-on-one with Toronto goalkeeper Theo Zagar, but shot right at Zagar.
The announced attendance was 3,553 fans, but that was a combined count for the Lynx game and a women's game earlier in the day. There weren't more than 2,000 fans for the men's game.
The Impact continues its season-opening road tour when it travels to Rochester, N.Y., Saturday. The team's home opener will be against Rochester on May 29.
phickey@thegazette.canwest.com
© The Gazette (Montreal) 2005
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