Last weekend, the Impact U16 and U18 teams had a Development Academy double-header in the United States.
Impact v Everton FC Westchester
Saturday, the Impact faced Everton FC Westchester’s teams. The Impact U18 won 5-2, while the U16s lost 2-1.
For the U18s, Tristano Fasulo and Santiago Gonzalez each scored one goal in the first half.
Moulay Hamza Kanzi-Belghiti scored the third one early in the second half. In the last ten minutes, both teams scored twice. For the Impact, Protais Mutambala and Gabriel Balbinotti added to the scoreline.
It was a bit more complicated for the Impact U16. Everton scored the opener in the first half, but Calin Calaidjoglu equalized before half-time.
Everton took the lead again right after coming back from the locker room and never looked back, as the game ended 2-1.
Impact v New York Red Bulls
The day after, the Bleu-blanc-noir faced the New York Red Bulls teams. These games between MLS academies always have a special mention on the calendar.
For this second game in two days, a tenacious Impact U18 won 2-1 against the team from New Jersey, who was holding the fifth spot in North America before this meeting.
After a scoreless first 45, Marques Antoine and Don-Junior Bobe put their names on the scoresheet for the Impact, before seeing the Red Bulls cut the deficit by one shortly after. Goalkeeper Jordan Tisseur and his defence closed the door to the Red Bulls’ attacks and held on until the final whistle to get the three points.
“It’s a very satisfying six points this weekend,” said Impact U18 interim head coach Simon Gatti. “It’s not easy to play back-to-back games on the road. It’s gruelling both mentally and physically and the boys responded with two very positive performances, especially in the second game against a quality opponent like the Red Bulls.”
The U16s lost 2-0 against their opponent. After resisting in the first half, the Red Bulls scored two goals in the second half, including one on a penalty.
Next games
With only two games to play in the regular season, both Impact teams are in playoff positions. With a record of 11 wins, six losses and seven draw, the Impact U16 is currently third of its group. The U18s are now in second position, with 12 wins, four losses and six draws.
Both teams will play their next game on Saturday, May 27, at Centre Nutrilait, starting at 11am, against the Philadelphia Union teams.
