May 28, 2008 MLS Toronto FC vs Montreal Impact (from Toronto FC Media Relations)
05/28/2008 09:16AM
Carver: "It was a tough game."
Toronto FC Media Relations
Toronto FC coach John Carver has given credit to Montreal Impact following his sides 1-0 win at Stade Saputo in the opening game of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship on Tuesday night.
Marco Velez scored the goal in the 73rd minute, heading in a cross from Laurent Robert. The Reds came away with three points against the United Soccer League side, who played for 10 men for much of the second half after Stefano Pesoli was sent off for a second yellow card in the 53rd minute. Toronto FC coach John Carver was impressed with the way Montreal played. "They've shown the United Soccer League is a very good standard," said Carver. "Some of the opposition performed and opened up my eyes. There isn't that much of a difference between the two leagues," Carver said.
"They gave us a really tough time and it was a frustrating night from my point of view," Carver added. They were very well organized and have got some good players. It wasn't really until the sending off that we started dominating the game."
Carver is looking forward to the rest of the games in the tournament and hopes Montreal and Vancouver can get into Major League Soccer soon. "It was a great atmosphere and this could be a great rivalry. There should be more of it. I would love to see Montreal and Vancouver in the MLS, it would be great for soccer in Canada and great for Toronto FC to have these big rivalries." Carver said.
Toronto Captain Jim Brennan felt his side managed to win without playing well. "It was a very scrappy game," he said. "I think we were a bit sluggish at the start of the game. We were off our game a bit. But we got what we came here for. We got our goal and the three points, and we made our fans happy. But give Montreal credit, because they rose to the occasion. They came out and pressed forward and tried to create chances."
Toronto FC's home games in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship are on July 1st against Vancouver Whitecaps and July 22nd against Montreal Impact. Tickets are now on public sale. Click here for details.
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