Quioto’s game-winner scored for the Honduran people
We’ve become accustomed to seeing Romell Quioto score goals for the Montreal Impact all year. The Honduran international leads Montreal in assists and goals in 2020, delivering in key moments for the club.
But his tally in the 88th minute against D.C. United on Sunday night may have been his most important one yet, perhaps in his career.
With the game level at two goals apiece, Romell Quioto did what he’s done all year, finding space behind the defensive line and finishing a beautiful cross from Mason Toye to make it 3-2 in the game’s dying embers, giving the Impact all three points.
Those three points were absolutely vital as well, as it confirms the Impact’s berth in the MLS Cup playoffs, setting up a matchup against the New England Revolution on Friday, November 20 at 6:30pm.
But there’s another reason that this goal may have been one of, if not the most important goal he’s ever scored. In Romell’s native country of Honduras, hurricane Eta has been wreaking havoc, flooding large areas of the country. This goal, the one that would qualify the Impact to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, was for the number 30’s compatriots.
“It’s been tough for Romell,” said Impact forward Bojan Krkic. “I don’t want to speak for him, but you’ve seen the images from Honduras. He has family and friends there, he’s from there, and he’s been trapped in a hotel. I’m really happy for him, because he put this difficult thing to the side and did an amazing job on the field. He deserves the goal and the assist.”
After scoring the eventual game-winner, Romell sprinted straight to the bench to retrieve the Honduran flag and wrap it proudly around himself.
“I wanted to find my flag right away after scoring that goal,” said Impact forward Romell Quioto. “It means a lot to represent my country, especially in a moment like this one. I felt so much pride holding that flag. It was difficult to find one given we were out of town. I was hoping to score for the team but also for the people of Honduras. Just because I’m not there with them, doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten them.”
It hasn’t been an easy week for the Honduran international. Romell couldn’t get in touch with his mother for four days leading up to the game, as news of the storm reached the rest of the world. He would eventually succeed in contacting her, and she confirmed that she and the entire family were safe and sound.
“I’m so happy we qualified to the playoffs,” added Quioto. “I’m so proud of this group and this club. We played as a team and fought until the very end to reach the objective we set at the beginning of the season. What’s happening in my country is heartbreaking. I trust that God will help heal all those who have suffered and help end their suffering. I send all of those affected my love and support.”
“I want to thank my teammates and the staff, who have been so supportive since everything started happening in Honduras. They’ve been really amazing and have shown so much kindness and concern.”
