Jumps to 9th place after win over D.C.

Chris Duvall isn’t known for his goal-scoring abilities. That’s why the defender’s impeccable finish was cause for added celebration.

Duvall doubled Montreal’s lead in the first half as the Impact downed D.C. United 2-0 in MLS action on Saturday.

The defender was briefly transformed into a striker in the 23rd minute after he got on the end of a perfect pass from midfielder Blerim Dzemaili. Duvall then rushed toward the frenzied crowd, throwing his arms up in the air triumphantly after finishing the play.

“That’s just the result of someone who doesn’t score much being really excited about it,” said Duvall of his celebration. “I’m not a guy who’s used to scoring goals but it’s an added bonus to get a goal and the shutout.”

The goal was Duvall’s first of the season and second of his MLS career. His only other goal was more than two years ago while he played for the New York Red Bulls.

“I’m happy for him because he works so hard,” said coach Mauro Biello of Duvall. “It’s nice to see players who work hard get rewarded.”

Dzemaili opened the scoring two minutes earlier with a shot from about 25 yards out. D.C. United goalkeeper Travis Worra had no chance.

Montreal (5-5-6), which snapped a five-game winless streak in all competitions, jumped from 11th to eighth in the Eastern Conference with the victory.

D.C. United (5-10-3), which has not won on the road in five games, slipped into last place in the East.

Ben Olsen’s men have scored a league-worst 12 goals in 18 games this season. D.C. has failed to score in its last four MLS road games.

The visitors took 19 shots in the game but only two of those were on target.

Montreal was without Ignacio Piatti (adductor injury). Also missing from the lineup were captain Patrice Bernier and forward Anthony JacksonHamel, who are on international duty with the Canadian national team for the upcoming Gold Cup.

The visitors were missing U.S. international goalkeeper Bill Hamid for that same reason.