The U18 and U16 Montreal Impact Academy teams were in Epping, New Hampshire, this weekend to face Seacoast United’s teams in USSDA competition.
In the Impact U18 game, Badreddine Boulajoul scored a quick goal in the 5th minute on a Giovanni Pulitano pass. Bleu-blanc-noir players had many chances afterwards but didn’t find the back of the net before the halftime whistle. The second half took a different course, as Seacoast United had two of its players sent off; one in the 61st minute and another in the 80th minute. The Impact scored a second goal in stoppage time, from Gabriel Balbinotti.
“The game’s content was of good quality in general, but we need to learn from every weekend to be able to progress collectively and individually,” said Impact U18 head coach Yoann Damet. “What happened in the game didn’t affect our will to play and to respect our principles. We created many chances and could have been safe faster by scoring the second goal, but we remained focused and patient.”
The U16 team also faced Seacoast United but wasn’t able to get the best of its opponent. The game ended with a 0-0 score.
Both Impact teams will be in Connecticut next weekend, taking on Beachside SC in Bridgeport on Saturday before going to Portland the next day to face Oakwood SC. Beachside is right behind the Impact U18 in the standings, while Oakwood is second only to the Impact U16 team. This will thus be an important double-header for the Bleu-blanc-noir in its chase for the playoffs.
Canada U15 in Montreal
This week, the Montreal Impact hosts the Canadian Soccer Association at its training centre for a tournament between the three MLS clubs’ U15 teams and a CSA selection, a showcase organized by the national association.
