The Impact’s prospects continue to impress, with the U16s, U18s and U23s all winning their most recent matchups.
U16s win under difficult conditions
The U16s faced off against Seacoast United under very windy and difficult conditions, ultimately defending its home turf by a 2-1 score. Mohamed El Alaoui Abdallaoui and Alexi Stevens scored in the win.
“In the first half, we had the wind behind us,” said winger Louis-Philippe Paquin. “We had some trouble finishing our chances, hitting the post once, which would have ultimately put the game away for us. In the second half, we felt the goal against coming, but we were able to readjust quickly and re-impose our principles to find a winning goal. We are very happy with the win, which brings us even closer to the playoffs.”
The team is still in second place of the North East division tied with Albertson FC with 38 points.
Important win in playoff race for Impact U18
Under similar conditions, the U18s also won Saturday against Seacoast United, topping the visiting club 3-1. Samuel Duffek and Fabio Morelli scored for the Impact, with an own-goal to round out the scoring.
“We played against a team that was very compact defensively,” said midfielder Fabio Morelli. “With the wind also causing problems, we were unable to find that decisive pass in the final third throughout the first half. We started the second half better and the substitutions made a difference. We were able to find more space offensively by using the width of the field. This win was important as it brings us back into the hunt for a playoff spot.”
With the result and three points, the U18 moved up to fourth place and is now holding down a playoff spot with four games to play this season.
Impact U23 plays last game before PDL
Last Thursday, the U23s dominated the Outremont Griffons on their own turf by a 5-1 score, in what was the final tune-up before the PDL season kicks off next Saturday, May 17, in Westchester.
Before leaving for a training camp in Florida with the U20 national team, Charles Joly scored four goals, while Nazim Belguendouz scored the other marker against last season’s PLSQ champions.
“This game represented the final test before we begin our season”, said the Impact U23 head coach Philippe Eullaffroy. “It was a good game for us to help improve on the principles we want to implement against good opposition. We are all very excited to kick things off in Westchester on Saturday. We have to now bring our game up a level as we begin play in PDL in a short, but competitive season.”
