Impact Academy players, Mathieu Choinière, Tristano Fasulo and Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla, were in Los Angeles, California, from July 26 to August 2, to represent the MLS in the Generation Adidas Elite Soccer Program (ESP) event.
“Head coach Wilfried Nancy came into the locker room to tell me and Tristano that we were candidates for this tournament,” said defender Mathieu Choinière. “It was an incredible experience and well organized. Everything was in place for us to have fun and be comfortable.”
The event consisted of reuniting the best U16 players from MLS teams, then divided into three teams (East, Central, West) to play each other as well as a Bayern Munich team from the same age category.
“We were with the Eastern team,” added Choinière. “The first game was a 4-0 win against the West. We followed with a 4-1 win against Bayern Munich and finally, won 2-1 against the Central team.”
Beyond the results, it was also an opportunity to meet other players of the same age coming from all over North America.
“This trip really helped my English,” admitted the Impact U16 defender. “I spoke with many players from other teams. We exchanged ideas about our seasons and how the last year went.”
The Impact U16 team was back to training this week after a summer break and the atmosphere is really positive according to Choinière.
“I feel that our group will be really united this season and we will have fun playing together.”
The USSDA season will kick off on September 12 for the U18 and U16 Impact teams. The first opponent for both teams will be the Empire Revolution.
