MONTREAL – Anthony Jackson-Hamel was clear on Twitter: not only is Montreal in his heart, but it’s also on his arm.
Kissing his bicep after tallying on Saturday afternoon was thus a show of love for a city and a club that he wants to score as many goals as possible for.
This is why his very first MLS goal, which he stabbed in late in a 3-0 Impact win over the New York Red Bulls, is of such paramount importance. And Jackson-Hamel hopes that the best is yet to come.
“I was talking to the guys in the locker room, and we were saying that all you need is one goal for the rest to follow,” Jackson-Hamel said on Monday morning. It’s just about carrying on like that and score other goals when I get a chance.”
Jackson-Hamel, who joined the Impact’s Academy in 2010, sees some familiar faces on the first team coaching staff this season – Wilfried Nancy, Jason Di Tullio, Yannick Girard and the likes, working with Mauro Biello.
“They are guys who have known me since I was young,” Jackson-Hamel said. “Playing for them is really fun, and I’m even more determined to work for them.”
Clearly, he’s not alone. In Saturday’s spectacular win, not only did the 11 starters play a great game, but the substitutes made a difference, too. Kyle Bekker, an 80th-minute sub, lost possession exactly zero times. Johan Venegas had been on the field for less than a minute when he assisted Dominic Oduro’s goal.
Jackson-Hamel, for his part, managed to poke one in even though he only subbed in during second-half stoppage time.
“Mauro expects his subs to bring something to the game, every time they go on the field,” Jackson-Hamel said. “Whether it’s to make the team stronger defensively or to boost the offence, you must do something. All those who subbed in have done well.
“Mauro is an excellent coach. He manages his entire group in a good way.”
