Timbers chop down Impact in preseason play By Charles Posted on February 24, 2011 Comments Off on Timbers chop down Impact in preseason play 0 526 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Eddie Johnson scored against the Montreal Impact for the second game in a row. The Portland Timbers prospect, a veteran of the English lower leagues, scored for his new club in a 1-0 exhibition win over the Impact Wednesday in Arizona. Johnson was with the Austin Aztex last season, which spent the year in the USSF Div.-2 league. That Aztex team met Montreal in the playoffs, and was eliminated by the Impact 4-3 on aggregate. But Johnson scored in the second game of that series, which the Aztex won 3-2. Johnson beat trialist Impact keeper Evan Bush — who earned the chance to make the Impact after a couple of sensational performances against Montreal last season when he was a member of Crystal Palace Baltimore. Bush was replaced in the second half by Bill Gaudette, who — now that former Impact goalie Matt Jordan has moved from the field to the front office — holds the mantle of best keeper in NASL. The former Puerto Rico Islander signed with the Impact last weekend. Portland moves to MLS from Division-2 soccer this season; Montreal will join the Timbers in MLS in 2012. While Montreal has been able to book friendlies against MLS opposition, no news yet from the other Canadian MLS club on NASL friendlies. FC Edmonton will head to Arizona next week, and dates are booked for two games against the University of New Mexico and another match against AZ Sahuaros.
