Sports

Red Bulls lose 1-0 at Montreal Impact in midweek friendly

The Red Bulls lost 1-0 at the Montreal Impact in tonight’s friendly. Striker Ali Gerba scored the only goal, and the Red Bulls _ who sandwiched this exhibition between weekend MLS tilts, and subbed nearly their entire team off at halftime _ got shut out in front of 12,568 fans at Saputo Stadium.

While Montreal is slated to become MLS’ next team in 2012, many of the French-speaking fans came out to see former French captain Thierry Henry. But it was ex-Toronto FC striker Gerba that scored the only goal of the night.

Midfielder Dwayne De Rosario nearly scored for the Red Bulls in the 25th minute, first to a loose ball after forward Juan Agudelo got stripped in the box, but seeing his shot careen off the right upright. Just ten minutes later, Henry appeared to have scored when he headed home Rafa Marquez’ cross, but he was ruled offside and the goal disallowed.

Just two minutes later, Montreal defender Philippe Billy swung in a cross from the right flank to Gerba, who outjumped Marquez to nod home the goal.

Perhaps most of note was midfielder Carl Robinson coming off with a leg injury in the 42nd minute, replaced by rookie Tyler Lassiter, and right back Chris Albright logging a solid half. He’s trying to avoid hernia surgery, and getting through this game was a huge benchmark for the man coach Hans Backe plans to use at left back should Roy Miller make the Costa Rican Gold Cup squad.

John Rooney, first-round pick Corey Hertzog and academy prospect Sean Davis all played extended second-half minutes, while academy prospects Dan Metzger and Brandon Allen came on in the 84th.