The Development Academy playoffs start on Monday
MONTREAL – The Impact U17 and the Impact U19 are ready for the Development Academy playoffs in San Diego, starting on Monday, as the Impact U15 will also make the trip to participate in the Summer Showcase.
The Impact U19, coached by Philippe Eullaffroy, ended its season in first place in the Northeast division with a 20-2-4 record, and fourth overall in the 74-team league.
“Our season went well and there was a good atmosphere within the group,” said the Impact U19 defender Chrisnovic N’sa. “Our coach taught us right from the start to be like a family. We worked together and supported each other, and it made us stronger.”
The Impact U19 will play on Monday, June 18, against the LA Galaxy at 4pm, on Wednesday, June 20, against the Houston Dynamo at 4pm and on Friday, June 22, against Atlanta United FC at 4:30pm. It’s the only all-MLS group.
“Personally, I wanted a tough group to make us stronger mentally,” added N’sa. “Even if these are good MLS teams, there were many key matchups during the season against MLS teams. Against New York City FC at home, where we lead 2-0, we fought all together until the end of to keep the clean sheet. There was also the game against the New York Red Bulls that was difficult. But we were able to get the three important points.”
It’s the fourth straight time that the Impact U19 qualifies for the playoffs. They will try to finish first in its group to qualify for the quarterfinals.
The Impact U17, coached by Nicolas Gagnon, also finished first in its division with a 17-6-3 record and seventh in the league.
“I think we worked really hard to reach our goal of finishing first in our group,” said Impact U17 defender Lundon Durand Browne. “It’s a good challenge and it will be tough to get out of the group because in our league, every team has the ability to surprise. We need to have the will and be ready to work.”
The U17 team will face the Carolina Rapids on Tuesday, June 19, at 5:30pm, Players Development Academy on Thursday, June 21, at 5:30pm, and Saint Louis FC Academy on Saturday, June 23, at 5:30pm.
Every first placed team in each group qualifies for the quarterfinals three days later.
Summer Showcase for the Impact U15
The U15 will travel with the two older teams to participate in the Development Academy Summer Showcase.
Serge Dinkota’s team, which also finished first in its division with a 19-6-1 record, will face D.C. United on Thursday, June 21, at noon, Sockers FC on Friday, June 22, at 2:15am and the LA Galaxy on Sunday, June 24, at 2pm.
SCHEDULE
MONDAY, JUNE 18
Impact U19 v LA Galaxy U19 – 4pm
TUESDAY, JUNE 19
Impact U17 v Carolina Rapids U17 – 5:30pm
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20
Impact U19 v Houston Dynamo U19 – 4pm
THURSDAY, JUNE 21
Impact U15 v D.C. United U15 – 12pm
Impact U17 v Players Development Academy U17 – 5:30pm
FRIDAY, JUNE 22
Impact U15 v Sockers FC U15 – 2:15pm
Impact U19 v Atlanta United FC U19 – 4:30pm
SATURDAY, JUNE 23
Impact U17 v Saint Louis FC Academy U17 – 5:30pm
SUNDAY, JUNE 24
Impact U15 v LA Galaxy U15 – 2pm
