Montreal Impact vs Sporting KC: Highlights, Stats and Quotes

A 0-0 draw is not the result the Montreal Impact wanted as the expansion club tries to make the playoffs: 1 point is better than none. But with 1-2 games on hand over it its direct competition, the Impact needed all 3 points and almost did when Matteo Ferrari saw his powerful header stopped by Jimmy Nielsen.

It was a story of 2 halves in which the visitors from the Midwest controlled the flow of the game in the first 45 minutes. A high pressing KC team did not let up , not permitting Patrice Bernier and Felipe Martins time and space to build up neither a flow nor a momentum.

The second half was another story where the heavy legs of Sporting KC were felt (previous midweek game vs the New York Red Bulls) and Jesse Marsch went '' All-In'' with Andrew Wenger and Sanna Nyassi coming in.

Statistics

Game Statistics:

Montreal Impact		Sporting Kansas City
7	Attempts on Goal	9
3	Shots on Target	2
3	Shots off Target	6
1	Blocked Shots	1
1	Corner Kicks	2
9	Fouls	22
12	Open Play Crosses	14
6	Offsides	2
2	First Yellow Cards	2
0	Second Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	1
69	Duels Won	47
59%	Duels Won %	40%
346	Total Pass	378
71%	Passing Accuracy %	76%
48%	Possession	52%

courtesy of MLSSoccer.com

Scoring Summary:

No goal scorers

Highlights and Quotes after the jump

Game Highlights

Post-Game Quotes

Matteo Ferrari, Montreal Impact Central Defender

(On the game)

We knew we were playing against one of the best teams in MLS. But I think we played a pretty good game today and near the end, we tried everything to win the game, we just couldn't score.

(On a better second half)

We pushed a lot in the second half. We tried to get the win. They were probably a little tired from the travel and playing on Wednesday, which helped us push the game even more.

Justin Mapp, Montreal Impact Midfielder

(On the game)

There was definitely a sense of urgency in the second half. With a little more quality in the final third, we could have come out with the win. The effort was definitely there and they are a good team, tops of their division and it showed.

(On playing in the rain)

It wasn't too bad; both teams had to play in it. The ball plays a little quicker, which made it tougher on some touches here and there. Everyone has been playing this game for a while and we've all played in the rain before.

Jesse Marsch, Montreal Impact Head Coach

(On a potential penalty call)

We have always been about each other and internally, we are all about what we do and how we play, so we are not going to put things on the ref.

(On losing Collen Warner to yellow card accumulation for next game)

It will be a factor next game, but it's going to be about who will be on the field. It will be about competing down in Houston. Whenever we had guys drop out, we've had people step up and play well.

(On the game)

I'd like to thank the fans today. Coming out in the rain the way they did and the support and singing that they did was incredible. There was nothing to hang our heads about. There is a lot to be proud of today. We won't stop even though the points may have stacked up against us.

Peter Vermes, Sporting KC Head Coach

(About his impression before the game)

I thought it was going to be a difficult game for us for a couple of reasons. First, because of the significance for Montreal and the fact that they are trying to stay alive for the playoffs, so we knew that they were going to come out hard and fast. On the other side of it, for us playing Wednesday, mid-week, that was a little bit of a battle for us, we had to spend a lot of energy. So we had to makes some changes in the lineup due the injuries and a couple other things.

(About the game)

It's a massive point for us, especially coming of the game against New York mid-week. Overall, I thought that our commitment to the game plan and the organisation on the field were excellent. To come here and get a result like we did, it's a huge point for us.

(About their 8 games streak without a loss)

No doubt, that's a good thing. The other thing is that we are not giving up a lot of goals. It was a big goal of ours going into the season, to make sure that we are defending well. I'm proud of the fact that we are really having a strong commitment to defense. Because to win, to be successful in this game, you have to have a good defense. Right now, the guys are committed to that, all the players, so far it's been good.

Michael Harrington , Sporting KC Defender

(About the game)

I thought we started the game very well. We kind of took it to them in the first half. They had a maybe little bit more to play for in the second half, we didn't keep the ball quite long enough and that kept us under pressure. But defensively, we did well, to keep the zero. We are happy with the point.

(About the team)

We're happy to come in here and get a point. We would have been happier with 3 points, but to come on the road, in a hostile environment, and take a point away from them is good from our perspective. We've been good on the road so far. This week, we go back home. We want to be first place in the league and we are in a position where we can do that. So we have to continue to play well, with this mentality.

Jimmy Nielsen,Sporting KC Goalkeeper

(About the game)

One point here is ok. I think we played a decent game. It's not a goal for me when I go on the field to get a shutout; it's a bonus if it happens. We didn't score today, so the best we could get out of this is a point. But for the last 5 days, we are pretty satisfied with 4 points.

(About Montreal)

I think Montreal is a really good team. They have some good individual players and they always put in a great effort. They have a good crowd here too, that's a fun place to play.