USSF D-II: Montreal turns tables on St. Louis

Posted Jul 22, 2010 by Nick Murray

Updated Jul 22, 2010 at 11:02 AM

Montreal gets back on track with an impressive victory, while Puerto Rico earns a point in Minnesota in Wednesday’s USSF Division Ii action.

MONTREAL 3, ST. LOUIS 0: The Impact put themselves firmly back into the playoffs with two goals in five minutes providing the catalyst for their victory against the Saints at the Stade Saputo.

After a 3-0 defeat to St. Louis in their previous encounter, the Impact put their stamp on the game quickly, 19-year-old Reda Agourram scoring on a fine individual effort in the 24th minute. Tony Donatelli doubled the advantage five minutes later as he headed home from Simon Gatti’s cross.

Both sides finished the game with 10 men, Montreal’s Felipe Soares and St. Louis’ Gauchinho both receiving their marching orders in the 67th minute for an altercation. That didn’t change the flow of the game, though, as Montreal capped its victory with an 82nd-minute goal by substitute Antonio Ribeiro.

MINNESOTA 1, PUERTO RICO 1: The Islanders earned a third successive draw in the final game of their three-game road trip as Christopher Nurse’s second-half goal was enough to earn a point against the Stars.

Minnesota had taken the lead in the 24th minute, Melvin Tarley being given time and space outside the penalty area before blasting home. After that, though, Islanders goalkeeper Cody Laurendi was excellent, making six saves and commanding his penalty area well.

The Islanders had fewer chances, managing only two shots on goal, but Nurse made the most of his opportunity as he headed home from Sandy Gbandi’s corner kick in the 71st minute.

TONIGHT’S GAME

PORTLAND (6-5-5) AT VANCOUVER (7-2-8): The Pacific Northwest rivals meet for the third time this season, but the first at Swangard Stadium, as the Timbers look to continue their success against the Whitecaps this season.

Portland earned a 2-0 victory and 0-0 draw in the two prior meetings and after over a week off since its 2-0 victory against Miami on July 10 should be fresh for tonight’s contest. The Whitecaps have had a busy week already, sending midfielders Jonny Steele and Ricardo Sanchez to FC Tampa Bay in a trade, but are expected to name an unchanged line-up from the side that defeated Miami 3-1 last Wednesday.

Tampa product Blake Wagner had a hat trick in that game, and seems to be developing a good chemistry with forwards Cornelius Stewart and Nizar Khalfan. Both teams are tied for the league fewest goals conceded with 10, so it could be a game where chances are at a premium.