The U18 and U16 Montreal Impact teams played their first USSDA game in 2016 at the training centre. The Bleu-blanc-noir faced Albertson SC, from Long Island in the state of New York.
In the first game of the day, Albertson took the lead on the Impact U18 team in the first half, but Badreddine Boulajoul and Jimmy Shammar-Sanon scored in the second half to give a 2-1 lead to the Impact, who stayed in control of the game until the end.
“I’m happy with the quality of the content; the players demonstrated that their good work, these past weeks, keeps bringing dividends,” said Impact U18 head coach Yoann Damet. “The score could have been better for us as we created many chances, but we faced an inspired goalkeeper. It’s positive for what’s coming. We are more efficient in destabilizing the opponent, which brings more danger in front of their goal.”
The U16 team also won its game. Head coach Nicolas Gagnon’s players scored three goals in the first half, from Mathieu Choinière, Tristano Fasulo and Protais Mutambala, and a fourth one in the second half, from Luca Piccioli, to win 4-1.
Both teams will be in action on Sunday, April 24, against the U16 and U18 New York Red Bulls teams at the Montreal Impact training centre.
“It’s important, for the development of the players, to face other MLS academies,” added Damet. “But in the end, this game doesn’t give us more points than any other, and it’s just as important as the following eight games to qualify for the playoffs. Players are naturally motivated in this type of meeting and will want to represent the club and shine through our playing identity.”
