The Bleu-blanc-noir U14 team was in France last weekend to take part in the Tournoi international U15 de Neuville-sur-Saône.
The Impact finished second of a group completed by Olympique de Marseille, Estac Troyes and FC Bourguoin, with a 1-1-1 record. After the playoffs, the team finished 7th out of 16 teams, winning on penalties in a 0-0 tie against Marseille.
“The satisfaction comes from the fact that no one knew what to expect from us and, on the last day, many people came to see us to salute our constant will to cause problems to the other team with our play,” said Impact U14 head coach Mathieu Rufié. “In terms of the competition, finishing in 7th position is good, and we could have reached a better position, had we been more spontaneous and committed in the last third.”
The experience benefitted Rufié’s team, which just took part in the Canadian Soccer Association Showcase at the Montreal Impact training centre.
“Players arrived here knowing they would play in one of the best tournaments in Europe for this age category, but they mostly realized it after the first day,” added Rufié. “Like they told us, they were not expecting to see that many high-level teams and had the feeling to have learned a lot coming here to Neuville. Now, they need to use this and show what they learn in our next games.”
