International Friendly 2009: Montreal Impact 1 (1) – River Plate 1 (3)

By: Christian | August 5th, 2009

Lots of news coming out today, so let’s start off with the good.

River Plate ended their three week Canadian pre-season tour last night with a victory, defeating USL side Montreal Impact 1 (1) – 1(3) on penalties before 11,738 at a rainy Saputo Stadium. It was the third straight win for los millonarios during their North American trip, and their second won on penalties.

Cristian Fabbiani put River ahead in the 20th minute, but the home side would level it in the 53rd. Though the exhibition did not have a “Cup” at stake as with the Toronto and Everton friendlies (for the Carlsberg and Edmonton Cups, respectively), the game nonetheless went to penalties to decide a winner. Montreal were woeful, nailing only one of four attempts against River keeper Gonzalo Marinelli, and goals by Abelairas, Ferrari, and Bou were enough for la banda to earn their third successive win.

River now return home to Argentina with three wins under their belt, with perhaps some confidence heading into the Apertura. Many will say that the quality of opposition did not give River any real test; those who do miss the point. For one, River traveled thousands of miles away to a different continent to play three unknown teams with three unique styles of football. They practiced and played on artificial pitches, and last night were forced to played in heavy rains.

It is disappointing that River only managed to score twice during regular time, but they also only conceded one goal, and won both their penalty shootouts. Nestor Gorosito was able to experiment with a variety of players to help him choose his squad for the upcoming season (when that ever starts). And considering the money troubles plaguing the club, at least this trip was paid in full.

Let me finally add that it was great seeing River fans out following the club, from those living in Canada to the ones who made the long trek from Argentina.

2009 Edmonton Cup
Montreal Impact 1 (1) – River Plate 1 (3)

strong>Scoring Summary:
Cristian Fabbiani (RP), 20th
Roberto Brown (MI), 53rd

River Plate:
Gonzalo Marinelli
Paulo Ferrari, Gustavo Cabral, Maximiliano Coronel, Lucas Orban
Diego Barrado, Matías Abelairas
Augusto Fernández, Mauro Díaz, Diego Buonanotte
Cristian Fabbiani

Substitutions:
Mateo Musacchio for Coronel, 46th
Cristian Villagra for Orban, 67th
Erik Lamela for Díaz, 68th
Gustavo Fernández for Fabbiani, 71st
Rodrigo Archubi for Barrado, 89th
Gustavo Fernández for Buonanotte, 79th
Gustavo Bou for Fernández, 79th