BY PETER MALLETT
Two early first-half goals gave the Vancouver Whitecaps a 2-0 win over the Montreal Impact in Nutrilite Canadian Championship action at Saputo Stadium in Montreal last night.
Striker Marcus Haber opened the scoring in the first minute for the Whitecaps, catching Montreal goalkeeper Matt Jordan and the Impact back line by surprise with an early brace.
Charles Gbeke scored Vancouver's second goal in the 17th minute, by converting a cross in the six-yard box.
Montreal shots struck the Vancouver crossbar three times in the opening half, with Joey Gjertsen, Roberto Brown and Rocco Placentino each hitting the woodwork but failing to beat goalkeeper Jay Nolly.
Montreal had an 87th-minute goal by Nevio Pizzolitto disallowed on an offside call to keep preserve the shutout for Nolly.
The win gave Vancouver three points and moved them into second place in the Canadian championship tournament behind Major League Soccer squad Toronto FC, who have six points on 1-0 wins over Montreal and Vancouver, both of which play in the United Soccer Leagues' First Division.
Montreal travels to Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, B.C., for a match on Wednesday. The winner of the three-team tournament represents Canada in the CONCACAF Champions League tournament later this year.
