Cameron Porter (pictured) celebrates after scoring the goal that clinched the Impact de Montreal's place in the 2014/15 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League semifinals. (Photo courtesy of the Impact de Montreal) 

MONTREAL -- Cameron Porter went from college student to history maker for the Impact de Montreal.

Like the good student he is, Porter assessed everything he had learned about soccer in just a couple of seconds.  The result was a last-minute goal that lifted Montreal into the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCCL) semifinals.

“The veterans are always saying, ‘don’t be tense, relax on the ball, be ready for your moment and seize that opportunity’”, said Porter, following the Impact’s 1-1 draw against Pachuca in their quarterfinal, second leg encounter.  “The opportunity came, and it was the same as in college, you just have to be calm and put the ball in the net.”

The Canadian champion advanced thanks to the pair of away goals it scored in a 2-2 stalemate at the Estadio Hidalgo one week earlier.

A couple of months ago, Porter – a 21-year-old from Centerville, Ohio -- didn’t have a clear view of his future.  He was then drafted by the Impact in the third round of the MLS SuperDraft (No. 45 overall), but it wasn’t until February 7 that he finally put pen to paper and his first professional contract.

Two games later, both as a substitute, Porter earned a place in Montreal sports lore, before 38,104 fans at the Stade Olympique.

The achievement wouldn’t have been possible, though, if not for another young player, Calum Mallace.  The 25-year-old midfielder recovered possession near Montreal’s box and then launched a ball 60 yards directly to Porter’s chest.

After the game, he was only talking about the team and his teammates.

“He did what he does every day in training”, Mallace said in reference to Porter.  “He’s so hardworking, and he takes risks like that.”

In the SCCL semifinals, Montreal will square off against Costa Rica’s Alajuelense, which eliminated top-seeded D.C. United, 6-4 on aggregate.  First, the Impact players and coaching staff want to appreciate the moment and will then focus on what’s next. 

“It was a huge relief,” said Argentine midfielder Ignacio Piatti.  “I really didn’t want to be out of this competition and the guys did an amazing job.”

One that is not yet completed.