Following a winter break that lasted a few months, the US Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) returned to the pitch this past weekend. The Impact U16 and U18 teams, who remained very active during the break, took on BW Gottschee on Sunday in New York.
Coming in with a 6-3-2 record from the first half of the season, the Impact U18s fell 2-1 to BW Gottschee. Midfielder Mastanabal Kacher scored the equalizer in the second half, but the home side found a winner in the 82nd minute.
“We played timidly in the first half and both teams struggled technically under difficult playing conditions,” explained U18 head coach Jason DiTullio. “We didn’t give up too many chances, playing well defensively, but our final pass and finishing was lacking some quality. In the second half, we dictated play and found opportunities with better movement in our play. We only gave up two shots over the 90 minutes, but finally it was two crucial mistakes that cost us.”
Impact U16s victorious
The Impact U16 team concluded the fall schedule with a 6-4-1 record and celebrated its return to action with a 2-0 win. David Choinière and Claudio Di Zazzo scored less than five minutes apart, with the second goal coming just before the 60th minute mark. Goalkeeper Charles Desrochers earned the shutout.
“The group was really excited to get back to playing games, especially following a good showing at the winter showcase last December,” said Impact U16 head coach Wilfried Nancy. “We had a number of scoring chances, but missed that final touch to finish them off. Over the next couple of weeks, I am looking for the team to grow in maturity and consistency, but most importantly within our identity of play. We will play a number of teams that will give us problems, but it will be up to us to find solutions.”
“The good first half of the season is confirmation of our individual and collective progression. The development over the second half of the season will be interesting to watch,” added Academy Director Philippe Eullaffroy.
The Impact youth teams will play their next games against the New England Revolution, this Sunday at Gillette Stadium, near Boston.
The first home games of 2014 will be played on Saturday, March 29, against Everton FC Westchester, in Montreal.
