MONTREAL – The Impact U18 won its USSDA quarterfinal game 3-1 against Real So Cal Tuesday night, at Stade Saputo. With the victory, they qualify for the semifinal that will be played in Los Angeles.
After conceding a goal in the second minute, the Bleu-blanc-noir replied with three unanswered goals.
After a corner kick, defender Nevello Yoseke took his chance on a loose ball in the box to level the score 1-1 in the 12th minute.
In the 42nd minute, just before halftime, forward Badreddine Boulajoul put his team ahead when he scored after a missed clearance from the Real So Cal defense, following a free kick from the left wing.
Nearing the end of the game, midfielder Jimmy Sanon controlled the ball in the box after another missed clearance from the Real So Cal defense, this time on a cross from defender Simon Lemire. After dribbling in the box, his shot was touched by the keeper but still found the back of the net to make it 3-1 in the 79th minute.
“The crowd was amazing,” said head coach Jason Di Tullio. “We want the players to get this experience. Playing a game like this at home, expressing ourselves on the field and feeding off the emotions from the crowd confirms that the Academy is doing the right things. Our players will represent the club well in the future.”
The Impact U18 will fly to Los Angeles next week to play the Chicago Fire in its semifinal game on July 16. The winner will play the championship final on July 18, while the loosing teams will play on the same day for the bronze. In 2014, the U18 finished third in the playoffs.
“We prepare the same way every game,” said Di Tullio. We will go there to represent the club and win this competition.”
The team finished its regular season on top of the standings, with a 22-2-2 record. Following the regular season, they finished first in the group phase of the playoffs to qualify for this quarterfinal game at home.
