The Montreal Impact have their first win under new head coach Wilmer Cabrera, as they brushed aside the Vancouver Whitecaps, 2-1, Wednesday night at Stade Saputo.
Maximiliano Urruti was Montreal’s catalyst in attack, as he scored the game-winner in the 37th minute, slashing home a side volley to the far-side netting. Two minutes earlier, Urruti crossed to the near post, and an own goal from Vancouver center back Doneil Henry made it 1-1.
The scoring began in the 17th minute via Whitecaps’ winger Yordy Reyna, who got on the end of a cross from Tosaint Ricketts, tapping home at the back post unmarked.
Vancouver thought they made it 2-0 in the 22nd minute, but Ricketts’ first goal for his new club was ultimately rescinded after Video Review judged both teams encroached. The veteran striker had cleaned up a rebound after Reyna’s first attempt was stopped by Evan Bush, then a second Reyna attempt was also denied by the Montreal goalkeeper.
Bush's heroics flipped the game’s course, though his counterpart, Maxime Crepeau, was equally impressive against his former team. Four days after making an MLS-record 16 stops against the San Jose Earthquakes, the Canadian finished with eight saves.
Vancouver came closest to an equalizer in the 47th minute, though Montreal left back Daniel Lovitz cleared an Inbeom Hwang shot off the line.
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Goals
- 17' – VAN – Yordy Reyna | WATCH
- 35' – MTL – Doneil Henry (OG) | WATCH
- 37' – MTL – Maximiliano Urruti | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: After going winless in their last four games and 1-7-1 across their last nine matches, Montreal is back in the win column. This was a big one, as it bumps Wilmer Cabrera’s team back up to the seventh and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They've leapfrogged rivals Toronto FC, too. Vancouver had a bright start, but ultimately the Marc Dos Santos return to Montreal was spoiled. The Whitecaps have just five games left in what’s been a rough season.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Evan Bush’s penalty-kick stop on Yordy Reyna was a tipping point in the match, as it sparked Montreal to take control. Bush actually stopped two Reyna attempts, both to his right-hand side, with the second coming after Video Review prompted a retake.
- MAN OF THE MATCH. By his own standards, it hasn’t been a prolific first season for Maximiliano Urruti with Montreal. But the Argentine striker was buzzing all evening, creating the own goal and then brilliantly finishing for the eventual game-winner.
Next Up
- MTL: Saturday, Aug. 31 vs. D.C. United (7:30 pm ET | TVAS, MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US)
- VAN: Saturday, Aug. 31 vs. New York City FC (10 pm ET | TSN 1/4, MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US)
