The Montreal Impact invited supporters to Olympic Stadium Saturday morning, for a simulated training match between the club’s first team and the U16s.
Over 700 spectators took in the training session in which the youth side gave the pros good competition.
The MLS side won the game in the end 6-1 (2-0 half-time), but the score of the game meant little for both sides.
“This was a wonderful experience for our young players, who didn’t believe me when I initially told them that they’d be playing against the pros,” said Impact U16 head coach Wilfried Nancy. “They got the chance to experience what it is to be a pro for a moment, while playing in front of a large crowd. This game helps us reinforce our message in terms o the speed of play and technique, in addition to inspire confidence. This was a good experience to acknowledge all the hard work they put in.”
“We don’t get to play that many games in preseason, so these game minutes are important to help us find cohesion,” said Patrice Bernier. “We want to find our team instincts as quickly as possible, especially with so many new players in the group. We want to be ready for the February 24.”
The Impact is training in Montreal and will head to Mexico on February 8, in preparation for the first game of the home and away Champions League series against Mexican club Pachuca, on February 24, at 10pm ET (TVA Sports) in Mexico. The return leg of this important aggregate goal matchup will be played on Tuesday, March 3, at Olympic Stadium (tickets: marquonslhistoire.com).
