The first game of the year is never the prettiest, but after three weeks of training, the Impact was excited to get a full 90 minutes of action under its belt on Sunday, in Orlando.
“We knew that the first game was going to be difficult after a lot of hard work and training over the past 20 days,” said defender Hassoun Camara. “We took a little time to adjust to the playing surface, but we were able to come together as a group. Now we know some of the little things that need work and we can improve as a team.”
The Impact defeated Orlando City SC in its first preseason game of the season, on Sunday afternoon. READ »
Camara, who suffered a slight ankle twist after colliding with goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau in the team’s 2-1 win over Orlando City, said the team used the match to introduce a new defensive scheme.
“We know that we have a good offence and in moving the ball forward. Now, we have to improve on tightening up defensively.”
Once the final whistle was blown, Camara gave his team a passing grade in just its first test of the season.
“I thought we were good in our transition game, moving the ball forward from the defensive line through to the midfield. But I thought we gave them a little too much space in the middle when they had possession.”
“We’ll put in the work these next few weeks to correct these situations in order to be ready for opening day.”