The Montreal Impact U18 team continues its strong start to its third campaign in USSDA play with a fifth consecutive shutout this past weekend, topping FC Bolts 5-0 at SaputoTurf.
Goals by Louis-Philippe Paquin, Samuel Duffek, Alexandar Kulic, André-Cédric Zibi and Mohamed El Alaoui lifted the home side to its eight starting games without a loss since the season started back in September.
Despite the win, the U18s weren’t completely pleased with their performance.
“I think as a team we didn't play very well. We didn't play the way we wanted to, we didn't respect the principals, and I think we started the game slow," said midfielder Nevello Yoseke. “We have not been able to impose our level and usual rhythm on the game, and we were over confident coming into the game knowing that we were undefeated. As coach Jason would say: always strive to do better than the last week and to approach every game like it will be the last one you ever play. At the end of the day, I was proud that we came through and won the game.”
Impact U18 XI: David Paulmin (GK), Nevello Yoseke, Samuel Duffek, Thomas Meilleur-Giguere Abdoulaye Samaké, Alexandar Kulic, Louis-Philippe Paquin, Jimmy-Shammar Sanon, Simon Lemire, Claudio Di Zazzo, Aron Mkungilwa (cap)
U16s fall 2-0 to FC Bolts
The Impact U16s did not fare as well as their older companions, falling 2-0 to a good FC Bolts team in the second game of the day last Sunday. Both goals came from the penalty spot and the Impact played shorthanded with two ejections from the game.
“I was eager to see my players against a very aggressive team in how they press as well as in the defensive aspect,” said U16 head coach Wilfried Nancy. “I am disappointed because we competed and were aggressive, despite some big mistakes by the referee, but ultimately we failed to finalize our action in order or to avoid scoring opportunities against us. We must continue to work to pass this course.”
XI Impact U16:: Charles Desrochers(GK), Jackson Pickard, Mouhamed Touré, Marques Antoine, Alexis Stevens, Luca Ricci(cap), Tristano Fasulo, Mathieu Choinière, Moulay Kanzi Belghiti, Kevin Tran, Esleyder Luarca,
U13s play mini-tournament in Toronto
The Impact U13s played a couple of games in Toronto over the weekend against MLS Academy opponents, defeating the Chicago Fire 1-0 before falling 2-0 to Toronto FC.
Serge Dinkota, ImpactU13 head coach: "The journey to Toronto was very rewarding. It was the first time the U13 team traveled in such a way. We received compliments on the part of the staff at the hotel, which is consistent with the education that we are trying to instill in our young people. On the field, we got to see some of the best opponents in the United States and Canada, in the face of Chicago Fire and Toronto FC. The boys grasped the importance of what we want to teach them, as found in situations where we were unable to make a difference physically. Over the two games, we managed to stick with our principles, but there is still much work to be done in order to ensure that we our philosophy becomes second nature.”
U14s friendly cancelled
The U14s were scheduled to take on North Toronto in a friendly herein Montreal over the weekend, but the game was cancelled when the bus bringing in the Toronto team was in an accident. Despite a few injuries, the group is doing well. The Impact organization sends its thoughts to the club and we hope to see them on the pitch very soon.
Upcoming games
U16/U18: Saturday vs Everton FC Westchester starting at 11am – Saputo Turf
U14: Saturday vs Gloucester at 3:30 – Saputo Turf
U13: Sunday vs Profoot U14 at 2pm – Saputo Turf
