The Montreal Impact played to a 1-1 draw against the Chicago Fire in front of 58,912 at Olympic Stadium this past weekend. That attendance mark set a record for professional soccer in Quebec.
“There were a lot of good individual performances, but as a team, we had a good night,” Impact head coach Jesse Marsch said. “We got the lead. It would have been good to try and hold on to it a little longer and test them to try and get the second. Aside from the goal, the Fire really didn’t have too much offensively, and that’s a little frustrating, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
In the 56th minute, Impact captain Davy Arnaud, headed home a beautiful short cross into the box from Sanna Nyassi. Arnaud scored the first goal in Montreal Impact MLS soccer history.
“It was a special feeling…a special moment,” Arnaud said. “Not just for me, but also for the guys, and for the club. But it would have felt even better if we got the three points.”
The lead stood for 15 minutes until Fire striker Dominic Oduro netted the equalizer. Sebastian Grazzini chipped the ball into the box and Oduro was able to get his foot on it and beat Impact goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts with a low shot.
Long service was repeatedly played to Nyarko but the Impact defense was able close it off and gain possession the majority of the time.
Montreal will head on the road next to face the Columbus Crew on March 24.
(image courtesy of Charles William/Impact de Montreal)
