The Impact gave up a 90th minute goal to an under-manned Puerto Rico Islanders side for a 1-1 draw Wednesday as Montreal struggles to earn a post-season berth in the North American Soccer League.
Ryan Pore gave Montreal a 1-0 lead at the 88th minute, seemingly insuring the Impact would earn a win and an important three points.
However, less than two minutes later, Islanders striker Jonathan Fana beat goalkeeper Evan Bush on a penalty shot to tie the game.
"It's disappointing to tie when you take the lead at the 88th minute," said assistant coach Mauro Biello. "We would have preferred to come back with three points but every point is crucial at this time of the season."
Biello was coaching his first NASL game while head coach Nick de Santis was in Montreal for personal reasons.
The Impact have 26 points, three behind the Minnesota Stars for NASL's sixth and final playoff spot, with only three games remaining in the regular season.
Amir Lowery set up Pore's goal with a long pass behind the Islanders defence. Forward Mignane Diouf directed the ball to Pore, who scored his second of the season into an open net.
The Impact played with a one-man advantage starting at the 30th minute after the ejection of Islanders defender Logan Emory for tackling forward Miguel Montano.
Montreal had another scoring opportunity at the 74th minute. After receiving a cross from Diouf, Montano saw his shot stopped by the Islanders defence. Pore recovered the rebound, but his shot went over the net.
"Overall we played well and since we defended well during the whole game, they did not give us many problems," added Biello. "In the second half, we managed the game well, we took the initiative by entering their third and we had better possession of the ball. It allowed us to create chances and we scored."
Biello was determined to make the most of the draw.
"We need to take the positives out of this game, go back home with three games to play and be ready for Sunday's match because it will be tough against Carolina," he said.