The Montreal Impact U16 and U18 teams went into the weekend excited to see how they stacked up against one of the strongest youth clubs in their division in Albertson SC. The Impact left Old Westbury, New York, with a 4-1 win for the U16s and a narrow 2-1 loss for the U18s.
Impact U16 improve hold on 3rd place
The Impact U16 forward Claudio Di Zazzo scored two within the first 25 minutes en route to a 4-1 victory over Albertson (11-5-2, 35 pts). David Choinière also found the back of the net, while an own goal rounded out the scoring.
“We were really good in the first half, scoring two and conceding none,” said U16 defender and team captain Juliano Cobuzzi. “We had a short let down in the second half that led to a goal, but we regrouped and took control of the game the rest of the way. I am very satisfied with the game we played.”
With the win, the Impact U16 is currently holding down a guaranteed playoff spot with a record of 10-5-2 and 32 pts. The team is still third in the Northeast Division.
Impact U18 comes close
The U18s also played a strong game, both tactically and technically, but fell 2-1 to ASC (11-3-4, 37pts). Mohamed Dagnogo scored the lone goal for the Impact.
“We played well within our principles defensively in the first half, while creating as many scoring chances as our opponents,” explained U18 head coach Jason DiTullio. “But in big games like this, we have to learn to be able to lift our game to a higher level of determination and aggression in order to battle for every inch in closely contested matches.”
“We started the game really well, as we had a good week of preparation in training,” added Melé Temguia, central defender and captain of the Impact U18s. “Technically, we could have been a little better, missing some ferocity in taking control over the game. I think we can learn from this game.”
With the loss, the U18s fall to 5th place in the Northeast Division, but are still holding on to a wild card playoff spot with a record of 9-6-2 and 29pts.
U16 and U18 upcoming games
Both USSDA sides are in action this Sunday, hosting the New York Red Bulls. The U18s kick things off at 11am on the synthetic field at Stade Saputo, while the U16s take the pitch at 1:30pm. The games are open to the public and admission is free.
Impact U14 wins against Ottawa
The Impact U14 team was also in action last weekend, hosting Ottawa in a friendly on Saturday, on the synthetic field at Stade Saputo. The matchup was presented as part of the pre-game festivities before the Impact’s 1-0 victory over the Union in MLS play, where the whole Academy was presented on the field at halftime.
Goals by Mathieu Choinière (younger brother of David Choinière) and Alexi Stevens lifted the younger group to a 2-1 win over their counterparts from the nation’s capital.
Impact U23 beats l'Assomption
The U23s were also victorious last week, defeating l’Assomption (PLSQ) by a 4-0 score. Striker Anthony Jackson-Hamel scored a hat trick, a second following his three goals versus the New York Red Bulls in MLS Reserve League play, while Frédéric Lajoie-Gravelle scored the other.
