By winning, the Impact (3-0-2, 11 points) retained the top spot in Group C and secured a spot in the CCL quarterfinals, which will be played in February. Playing in a cold, biting wind, Montreal took a 1-0 lead five minutes before halftime with a goal by Roberto Brown, and in first-half stoppage time Washington Ramiro Bruschi equalized for Olimpia (1-2-2, 5 points). The tie dropped Olimpia out of the contention three points behind Atlante (2-1-2, 8 points) of Mexico, which beat Joe Public, 2-0, to nail down second place.
"Nobody believed it was possible for us to even have a chance of advancing but we believed in ourselves and that is what made the difference," Montreal goalkeeper Matt Jordan said. "The conditions were cold, the wind was strong and my leg muscles and groin were tightening up on me as the game wore on but we are glad to take this win."
Brown scored on the rebound of a shot by Sandro Grande that Olimpia keeper Noel Valladares deflected back into the goalmouth, and the Panamanian striker swiveled to volley the ball home.
Montreal and Atlante play each other in their group finale Oct. 28.
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