It’s looking more and more likely that the Impact U18 and U16 teams will qualify for the USSDA playoffs for the first time in just their second season following dominating victories over Albertson SC Saturday at Stade Saputo.
Dagnogo scores a triple for U18s
The Impact U18 kicked things off at 11am on the stadium’s synthetic field with a 5-1 win. Zie Mohamed Dagnogo scored a hat trick sandwiched by Mastanabal Kacher 5th minute opener and Heikel Jarras 88th minute closer.
“It was a huge game for us, we knew it was important to get another win to make the playoffs,” said defender Zachary Sukunda. “I think we were all a bit nervous, but we handled it well. I really believe we dominated the game with our principles.”
The U18s now sit in second place in the Northeast Division with a record of 13-6-2, 41 points and play its second to last game of the season on the road against FC Bolts Celtic this Sunday, June 1 at 12pm.
Impact U16 scores six goals
The U16s dominated Albertson in the second game of the double header by a 6-0 score.
Louis-Philippe Paquin and Jimmy Shammar Sanon each had a brace, while Juliano Cobuzzi and Mohamed El Alaoui rounded out the scoring.
“We had a very energetic start and I don’t think the other team was expecting that,” said winger Paquin. “For the entire game, we imposed our style of play and we were able to finish our scoring chances, which was lacking at times. It’s a positive step towards the playoffs and a nice way to come back following a loss last weekend.”
The U16s are also in second place in the Northeast Division with an identical record of 13-6-2 and will also face FC Bolts on the road Sunday.
U23s suffer first loss in PDL
After taking its first ever game in PDL, the Impact U23s fell by the same 3-0 score this past Saturday versus last season’s champions, the Boston Rams.
“Teams in this league are tough from the opening whistle and even though we won our first game, there are a number of lessons we still need to learn,” said midfielder Victor Ndiaye. “We weren’t ready to start the game and it cost us early. We will have to make sure that we stay true to our identity, especially in tough moments.”
The Impact U23 will play three games in six days, starting this Friday 7pm against Seacoast United, in New Hampshire, before hosting two games on the synthetic turf at Stade Saputo – the first ever home opener in PDL this Sunday at 5pm against the Westchester Flames and then on June 4 against CFC Azul at 5:30pm.
