The Impact U19, the team at the top of the Montreal Impact Academy’s development pyramid, had a strong start of the season, winning six of its first seven games.
It was November that things got tougher. The team lost against Beachside SC, before losing two of its three Winter Showcase games in Florida.
“The first half of the season was average in terms of our results,” said Impact U19 head coach Philippe Eullaffroy. “Our performances were inconsistent and went from really average to really good. Against the better teams, being average is not enough.”
The group still managed a respectable 7-4-1 record and is second in its division, behind the New York City FC, with 31 goals scored and only 15 goals allowed.
The Impact U19 also played many difficult games against strong MLS opposition, helping them further progress.
“The game against Dallas was a high-level one, tactically challenging with incredible intensity,” added Eullaffroy. “We would love to play more games at this level to accelerate the development of our players.”
Philippe Eullaffroy’s players will face some important challenges in the second half of the season, with games against the New England Revolution and the New York Red Bulls on their schedule.
If making the playoffs remain the goal every season, the U19 group also needs to perform well in order to stand out. Some players are in their last year at the Academy. Their performances can get them a call-up to the first-team training camp or open up other opportunities.
