Spectators were greeted with high temperatures, but a tepid first half. Both teams struggled through the first half as they were dealing with the heat. United started to heat up (cool down?) late in the first half and were able to break down the Impact defense.
Maicon Santos and Chris Pontius both took shots from distance that troubled Montreal keeper Evan Bush, who was making his first MLS appearance. Montreal had one shot on target in the first half, but was cleared by Bill Hamid.
Pontius finally got United on the score sheet just before halftime as the Forward, who is started at midfield for just the second time this season, dribbled through three Impact defenders before firing a low shot past Bush.
United dominated both possession and chances in the first half and will look to continue to exert their dominance over Montreal in the second half. Three points will keep United atop the Eastern Conference.
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