Both newcomers featured in the game against Real Salt Lake
The past few days have certainly been non-stop for two of the Impact’s newest acquisitions. Striker Quincy Amarikwa and midfielder Micheal Azira were both acquired by the Bleu-blanc-noir late Wednesday evening on transfer deadline day from their respective MLS clubs.
A day later, they joined Rémi Garde’s troops in Salt Lake City for their upcoming game. Not only were both part of the 18-player squad on Saturday, the two of them were actually brought on in the second half. Amarikwa replaced Matteo Mancosu in the 67th minute, while Azira subbed on for Ken Krolicki with a few minutes remaining.
“I needed these players, and they answered the call,” said head coach Rémi Garde. “I’m happy with the way both played. I felt that both had something to offer. They helped the team. I think that if we could’ve had this structure – meaning everything we’ve built in the past few months – since the beginning of the season, we would not have dropped these many points.”
Amarikwa, who joined the team from the San Jose Earthquakes with Dominic Oduro going the other way, was able to showcase his offensive skill despite his limited playing time. The American striker attempted two shots and seemed to connect well with his new teammates in the run of play.
“It’s a lot of learning on the fly, but that’s somewhat been my role since the beginning of my career,” said Amarikwa. “I have to pay attention quickly, adapt, and show that I can be a valuable asset. I think with a little bit more time I’ll learn the movement of some of the guys. We’ll be more on the same page and create more opportunities. I think it was a good start.”
Azira, on his end, came on in the 84th minute to close out the game, and impressed in midfield, showcasing his vision by sending a deep ball for Nacho Piatti which led a glorious chance for Alejandro Silva in the game’s dying embers that was tipped away by Nick Rimando.
“We can see that they’re already comfortable,” said midfielder Saphir Taïder. “Now, they’re part of our family. They were good coming off the bench, and helped us maintain the draw, and even try to win. We’re happy to have them with us.”
There are still nine games remaining in the regular season, and the Impact currently sits in the sixth and last playoff spot in the East. With the Bleu-blanc-noir looking to make a strong push in this final stretch of games, these acquisitions could not have come at a better time.
“There’s a lot of quality players here,” added Amarikwa. “Their movement off the ball is good and so is the first touch. I’m looking forward to learning the tendencies of the guys, fitting their style, and help bring out their best qualities.”
