After the basketball game and the snowshoe race in Montreal, the Impact coaching staff set up a little team bonding exercise for the players, Monday afternoon in Florida.
Shortly after an intensive training session, the players were given a chance to unwind for a few hours, going go-karting in an Orlando suburb. In teams of two, the players took a few warm-up laps before getting down to business: a two-hour race!
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As competitive on the field as they are off of it, the players took the challenge seriously. A number of lead changes and close calls led to some tense moments on the track.
The podium
Assistant coach Mauro Biello explains that the race was just another way of building team spirit with less than 20 days before the opening of the season, on March 2 in Seattle.
“We have been working hard during this camp, especially physically, so it’s important to get away from the pitch once in a while,” noted Biello. “This is another activity with the goal of developing chemistry within the group. Everyone really enjoyed the day, so it was a positive experience for all.”
Forming an experienced trio with head coach Marco Schällibaum and equipment manage Aldo Ricciuti, Biello was pleased with his third place finish, just behind the duos of Warner-Mallace and Felipe-Iapichino, who finished in second and first respectively.
“I am very satisfied with my performance on the race track,” said Biello with a smile on his face. “It’s a first podium finish for Marco, Aldo and I. We worked hard and stayed focused.”
This team spirit will once again be tested on Wednesday as the Impact will face off against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in its second match of the Disney Pro Classic, at 3pm ET. The game will be streamed live at impactmontreal.com.
Highlights of the go-kart race will be available in the 2nd episode of the Behind the player web series, available on the Impact's YouTube page.
