It was always going to be a difficult weekend for the Impact teams in Massachusetts last weekend, with two games in two days against the Boston Bolts and the New England Revolution as part of the Development Academy.
The Impact U15 won both games, 4-1 and 1-0, the U17 lost its first game 2-1 and won the second one 4-0, while the U19 tied 2-2 in the first game and lost 4-2 in the second one.
Impact U15 wins twice
Dominique Morin’s team started 2019 on a high note with two convincing wins.
In the 4-1 win over the Boston Bolts, Jean-Aniel Assi scored a hat trick and got an assist on Nathan Saliba’s goal. The Bleu-blanc-noir came close to getting the clean sheet, but the Bolts scored on the last play of the game, on a corner kick.
On Sunday, the Impact U15 faced the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Midfielder Maël Henry was the lone scorer in a 1-0 win where Montreal’s defense held on for 80 minutes.
It was Dominique Morin’s first official games as the new Impact U15 head coach. The team is at the top of the Northeast division with a 11-0-2 record.
The U17 fall, but get back up
After taking a one-goal lead in the first half with a goal from Junior Kabwé against the Boston Bolts, the Impact U17 conceded twice in the second half and the local team won 2-1.
One day later, against a good New England Revolution side, Nicolas Gagnon’s players had a great performance and won 4-0. Junior Kabwé scored a hat trick after Matthew Catavolo scored the first goal.
Montreal therefore maintains top spot in its division with a 10-5-1 record.
More difficult for the Impact U19
On Saturday, the Impact U19 tied 2-2 against the Boston Bolts. Twice, Philippe Eullaffroy’s team came from behind to equalize. Moulay Belghiti scored the first goal and Rafik Hassane scored the second.
The day after, the Impact U19 conceded two goals in the first 15 minutes against the New England Revolution. Montreal equalized with goals from Calin Calaidjoglu and Mujtaba Mirhasan, but the Revs took their two-goal lead back in the second half to win 4-2.
The U19 are now third in the Northeast division with a 7-5-2 record and remain in a playoff position.
Next games
The Development Academy Impact teams will make their 2019 home debut at Centre Nutrilait this Saturday, when they host Seacoast United’s teams. The U15 will play at 10am, the U17 at 12:30pm and the U19 at 3pm. Games are open to the public and entrance is free.
