Honduran international found a home in Montreal
It is often said that to play well, you need to feel good. That your play on the pitch is a reflection of how you’re feeling off it. In Romell Quioto’s case, that can’t have been truer this year.
More than anything, Romell was able to find a home in 2020. It’s this feeling that has led to the Impact signing the forward to a two-year contract, with an option year for 2023.
“It was important for me to stay in Montreal because I am truly happy here, on a sporting and human level,” explained forward Romell Quioto, speaking to the media after signing his new contract. “I’m excited to extend this adventure.”
After joining the Impact from the Houston Dynamo a few months before the start of the 2020 season, Romell Quioto was certainly aware that Canada would be a change of pace from Texas. The Honduran international was fluent in Spanish, a common language spoken in Houston, but spoke little English and no French.
Yet when he joined his new teammates for training camp in the middle of January, Quioto seemed to fit in seamlessly on and off the pitch. His relationship with his teammates was established quickly, and head coach Thierry Henry quickly took him under his wing, aware of his potential to hurt teams offensively.
That success has quickly translated onto the pitch, Romell scoring two goals in his first three games, including in his debut. And just like that, Impact supporters fell in love.
“This city and this club, they’re special,” added Romell. “When I first arrived here, I was going through a difficult time on and off the pitch, but the club opened its doors to me. I always felt at home here. My priority is to be happy, and I found that in Montreal and with the Impact.”
A year later, Romell was an essential part of the Impact’s run to the MLS Cup playoffs, finishing the season leading the team in goals and assists, and notching a marker in the club’s lone playoff game as well. His nine goals scored in MLS mark a personal best for Quioto, beating out his seven-goal effort in his first MLS season with Houston, in 2017.
“Personally, and collectively, I feel like it was a successful year. I feel good with what I’ve contributed so far, but I feel like I can give more. I’m here to work, and I’m really looking forward for the next opportunity to do so.”
That opportunity will come faster than usual, as the Impact gets set to take care of its unfinished business in against CD Olimpia on December 15 at 8pm (RDS, TSN, 98.5fm, TSN 690) in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals.
“I’m happy it got dealt with rapidly. We have a huge game coming up against Olimpia, and I want my focus to be only on that game. I hope the team can prepare in the right way, with the right mindset, to take on this team. It won’t be easy. Olimpia is playing good at the moment, but we’re going there with the intention of going through.”
