After some difficulties last weekend, the three Impact Academy teams in action were victorious this past weekend.
Impact U23
The U23 PDL side defeated Chaudière 4-2 in a friendly, thanks to goals by forwards Victor Ndiaye (2), Frédéric Lajoie-Gravelle and Nazim Belguendouz.
“It was a game that we controlled well for 60 minutes,” said U23 head coach and Academy director Philippe Eullaffroy. “Without being perfect, our principles were well-respected. The end of the game was a little more chaotic with less consistency in our play. For our next game in Rochester (USL Pro) this week-end, we will have to implement our style for the entire 90 minutes or else we will be punished.”
Impact U18
The U18s shut out Seacoast United 3-0 in their last USSDA matchup last Saturday, at the Seacoast United Soccer Complex in New Hampshire. Alexander Kulic (2) and Samuel Duffek scored for the Impact.
"We started off slow but got better as the game went on,” said U18 head coach Jason DiTullio. “Although we made a number of technical mistakes, I thought we stayed patient and our concentration throughout the game was very good. Defensively we had to be organized and focused as a group and we did so for 90 minutes, but we are still inconsistent in our play and need to work on that. We had a better performance than last week and must continue to progress.”
Impact U16
The Impact U16s bettered their older USSDA comrades by shutting out Seacoast 4-0. A brace by Claudio Di Zazzo, along with goals by Steven Alberici and Don Junior Bobe, were the difference.
“Our U16s put out a good performance collectively,” said interim coach Antoine Guldner (U13 head coach), sitting in for Wilfried Nancy, who is in Dallas as part of the MLS coaching initiative. “The team made the game easy for itself. By controlling the play and being efficient in the final third, the players were able to destabilize their opponents, defend soundly and technically. I am satisfied with the attitude and level of concentration of our young players, who have taken a step forward in this regard.”
Both USSDA sides will host Everton FC Westchester this Saturday. The Impact U18 will play at 10am EDT at the Marie-Victorin Sports Complex while the Impact U16 kickoff will be at 2pm EDT at Dome Hébert. Both games are open to the public and admission is free.
