MONTREAL -- The Montreal Impact are feeling their losses both on and off the field. And it doesnt help that theyre in a franchise worst slump. On Sunday, Montreal matched a team high five-game losing streak, falling 3-2 to the visiting Portland Timbers. As assistant coach Mauro Biello sees it, the struggles have started to take their toll on the players both mentally and physically. "Right now, were very fragile," said Biello. "As much as its on the field with the ball, its in our head. When things dont go well, its something thats always there. Its a mindset that has to change if were going to want to win some games. "You try to tell the players to focus on things they can control." Biello was on the sidelines managing the Impact on Sunday after Frank Klopas was suspended for arguing with a referee during Montreals game on Thursday. Biello is now 1-1-3 at the helm of the Impact. "Its normal that players are frustrated," he said. "We gave up three goals at home. Its unacceptable. If you want to win a game, you cant give up three goals at home." With the game tied 2-2 in the 82nd minute, Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri pounced on a giveaway by former teammate Mamadou Danso before curling the winner just out of the reach of goalkeeper Evan Bush. Danso, who was making his first appearance for the Impact, missed his clearance after losing his footing on the rain-drenched pitch. "I have to go back and watch that again," said Danso, who was traded from Portland to Montreal in June. "The cross came in and I stepped in to block it. I can not say at the top of my head what happened. I definitely have to go back and look at it and try to rectify it." The last-place Impact (3-12-5) have been at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings since Apr. 5. Recently, Montreal is making a habit of losing games late. Against Chivas USA on July 5, the Impact conceded a goal to Erick Torres four minutes into stoppage time for the first of five consecutive losses. The following week, a defensive howler in the 89th minute gifted Sporting Kansas City the 2-1 victory. In Columbus last Saturday, a strike from distance in the 75th minute sent Montreal home sulking. "Weve been missing something these last few games," said Marco Di Vaio, who came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute versus the Timbers. "Were conceding goals out of nothing. Its mental right now. We have to find the solution in the dressing room, between us. Its a very tough time for us right now. What we did today simply isnt enough. "Its definitely mental. Physically, were the same as other teams. Something important is missing. Maybe were trying to do too much, or maybe were thinking too much. We have to find the solution as a team. We cant finish this way. We dont want to finish last. We have to be more confident. We have to find a way." After taking a surprising lead in the 13th minute on Andres Romeros first goal in seven games, Montreal conceded twice in quick succession after the half-hour mark. Argentine midfielder Maximiliano Urruti scored his team-leading ninth goal, and second in two games, in the 34th minute. Timbers forward Darlington Nagbe, Portlands most dangerous player in the first half, found a hole in the Impact defence and fed Urruti, who was waiting patiently in front of Bushs net. Five minutes later, Canadian international Will Johnson gave Portland (6-6-9) the 2-1 lead from the penalty spot after he was taken down in the box by Impact defender Hassoun Camara. Bush, making his third consecutive start in place of regular starting goalkeeper Troy Perkins, was given no chance on Johnsons penalty. "Its hard to feel positive about our results right now," said Bush, who ended the night with six saves, including four in the first half. "Its not like anybody is giving up. Its not like were throwing away the season, by any means. Guys are working hard, and you can see that, emotionally, guys are distraught after games like these. "Weve put so much work during the week into preparation and training, so its difficult. Things are only going to stay this way until we have the right mentality." Down 2-1 with halftime approaching, Montreal looked to right the ship when Maxim Tissot, a product of the Impact Academy, finished off an impressive team effort that involved four of Montreals midfielders. Captain Patrice Bernier, making his 150th appearance for the club, got the play going after the Timbers turned over possession in their own half. Bernier crossed to Felipe, who fed Justin Mapp, who gave it right back to the Brazilian. Felipe one-touched the ball down the left wing to a streaking Bernier, who squared to Tissot in the 18-yard box. The 22-year-old Tissot, in his fifth start with the Impact this season, side-footed the equalizer past keeper Donavan Ricketts. "Ive had a few good chances this year that I havent put away," Tissot said. "In terms of confidence, it will definitely help me. Its just a shame we couldnt get the result, or at least one point. Before I played for the team, I was a supporter of the team. So I know what theyre living right now. "Its not easy for them, and its not easy for us." Montreal has yet to beat a Western Conference opponent this season (0-6-1). Notes: The loss was Montreals first this season when scoring the opener at home (3-1-2). à After starting the last game on the bench, striker Jack McInerney was back in the starting lineup on Sunday. McInerney has not scored in his last five games. à It took 53 minutes for the Timbers to record their first foul of the game. Montreal had 15 at that point. à Montreal plays host to Jermain Defoe and Toronto FC next Saturday. 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As each game passes (each has played close with the exception of last night) it becomes clearer just how evenly matched these two teams are and how one mistake, or one bad inning, is likely to sway the result.VANCOUVER - Jay DeMerit got the deal he wanted Monday and provided the troubled Vancouver Whitecaps with some stability at the same time. The teams captain signed a new contract after protracted negotiations. The deal eased some of the pressure on the Whitecaps caused by MLSs 2013 top scorer Camilos departure to a Mexican team and uncertainty surrounding the availability of 2014 first-round draft choice Andre Lewis. "Negotiations are never easy," said DeMerit. "Im just happy that we got (the deal) done." DeMerit who has made a strong recovery after missing most of last season with a torn Achilles tendon suffered in the first game, will suit up for the fourth year of Vancouvers MLS existence. The 34-year-olds re-signing was anticipated after he and the club expressed a desire to extend his contract late last season, but negotiations took longer than he expected. Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but DeMerit indicated it does not extend beyond one year. "Ultimately, for me, Im at an age where I have to go one year at a time," said DeMerit. "At this stage of my career, there is no such thing as a long-term deal. There are only short-term deals." DeMerit, who joined Vancouver after playing in England and has been the Whitecaps captain since their MLS inception, said he had to confirm that he was "still here because of the right reasons." DeMerits reasons included a desire to remain in the Vancouver area. He is married to retired Canadian Olympic snowboard cross gold medallist Ashleigh McIvor and plans to live in the region well beyond his playing days. "What this does is commit me to the future of being in B.C., whether its on the playing field or off the playing field," he said. "I came here for a reason three years ago, and that was to help develop soccer in North America and help develop the Vancouver Whitecaps as an MLS franchise. "What this contract does is solidify that for the future." He also felt it was important to give the Caps some stability after Camilos departure. The Brazilian striker bolted the team to train with Queretaro of Mexicos top league and then angered team officials by donning his new squads jersey before a transfer deal was completed last week. "As the leader for (our) club, I have to provide stability," he said. "Thats part of my role, definitely, in these types of situations." DeMerit has often praised Camilo for his unique shooting and scoring abilities. But the captain contended that Camilos absence will not affect the Whitecaps, who missed the playoffs in 2013 even though the former Vancouver star scored 22 goals. "Im sure the message from day one will be: Everyone who is here is here and the past is the past," said DeMerit. "What you have to consider is thhat were all in this together.dddddddddddd And, when you have that, then you realize that certain players arent here anymore and you dont dwell on those things anymore, and the easier it is to move forward. "And what we have to do here is move forward." But the Caps still must address the nagging question of which newcomers will move the club ahead. In contrast to Toronto FC, the Whitecaps have not made any star acquisitions since Carl Robinson, who has never been a head coach before, replaced the fired Martin Rennie. "Theres no secret that we still need to make a few more additions that will help the character of this club and help the experience of this club," said DeMerit. "But I think that the nucleus is there (in) both older and younger players that are here and have already contributed. Now, its just (about) making sure that we add to that and all the guys contribute in their own way and make sure that we can have a successful season." DeMerits primary personal goal is to remain healthy for the entire season after he was injured while going up for a header early in the 2013 season opener against Toronto FC. Robinson said the central defenders ability to shine after he recovered and became "a rock again" late in the campaign is not a concern. "I think (his comeback) shows a little bit about his comport," said Robinson. "Everybody wrote him off — and maybe me included — last year because he had an horrific injury on the first day of the season." Robinson said DeMerits re-signing will help the team go in "the right direction" and deal with the uncertainty that has arisen in wake of Camilos departure and confusion about whether Lewis, a 19-year-old Jamaican who was chosen seventh overall in the MLS SuperDraft, will play in MLS this year. "We want players that want to be at the club," said Robinson. "(DeMerit) wants to be at the club and we want (him) be at the club, and thats why he continues to be at the club. For growth in any type of club, you need stability, and (DeMerit) is part of that stability." Lewis, who has expressed a strong to play for Vancouver, has already signed with the lower-tier New York Cosmos. But Robinson said he expects that the midfielder will be at Vancouvers upcoming training camp. "I think theres an agreement between Major League Soccer and the Cosmos (for Lewis to join the Whitecaps)," said Robinson. "Were looking forward to having him in camp once his visa arrives." Notes: Robinson said central defender Andy OBrien has overcome injuries that kept him out of the lineup for much of last season and will be ready for training camp. … Players will undergo physicals Saturday and begin the on-field portion of their training camp Monday. ' ' '