This past Saturday, the Montreal Impact Academy U16 and U18 teams welcomed their counterparts from Seacoast United at Centre Nutrilait. Goals rained on these two games, which finished 3-0 in favour of the U18 squad and a 7-1 thrashing for the U16s. These more than favourable results enable both Academy teams to top their respective USSDA Northeast division.
The U18s started the game on the right foot, Vincent Lamy opening the scoring in the second minute, before Gabriel Wiethaeuper-Balbinotti’s brace at the end of the first half. The result was already decided at the break, even though the team had to finish the game with a man down after Mouhamed Touré was offered his marching orders because of a second yellow card in the 71st minute. “We were able to control the game by starting well and scoring quickly,” said the Impact U18 head coach Yoann Damet. “We showed more collective quality in different phases of play, but also more maturity, which we lacked last week. We showed realism, which allowed us to score three goals in the first half and approach the second with more calm.”
Thereafter, the U16s inflicted a severe loss to their New Hampshire opponents. This attacking festival started tardily with Cédric Toussaint’s goal in the 32nd minute. After half-time, however, the doors opened: Jean Arnaud Tano scored four goals in 21 minutes, Xavier Laneuville found the back of the net in the 52nd, and Toussaint completed his brace in the 65th. “Beyond the result and the domination, the team was interesting on the principles we’ve implemented since the start of the season,” said Impact U16 head coach Nicolas Gagnon. “The game looks easy when we see the result, but we made it easy for ourselves by the quality of play we produced and the constant efforts made from the first whistle. At half-time, it is still only 1-0 and we feel it can be dangerous in the second half. We correct three elements which the players apply very well and the result is five goals in 13 minutes coming back from the break. I also liked that even though we conceded a goal, we answered by scoring in the following minutes.”
The U16 and U18 teams are off next weekend, awaiting the visit of Everton FC Westchester at Centre Nutrilait on Saturday, October 15.
U13 and U14 Nutrilait players of the month
The winners of the Nutrilait player of the month awards for September are Maximilian Banfi for the U13s and Connor Manuel for the U14s. Congratulations to the two young players!
During the month of September, Maximilian showed consistency in his level of quality in training, while regularly taking initiative within the group. He was also among the U13 players looking for funds for the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge.
Similarly, Connor demonstrated regularity and consistency in his progression in training as well as in his performance level in games. His leadership, his will to win and his urge for excellency illustrate the values the Academy is looking to put forward.
