Last Sunday was the first away game for the U18 and U16 Academy teams this season in the USSDA. For the occasion, the Impact teams were travelling to West Henrietta, near Rochester, in the State of New York, to face Empire United’s teams.
After 30 minutes without a goal, the Impact U18 opened the score through Giovanni Pulitano. Two minutes later, Gabriel Balbinotti scored on a cross from Kheireddine Kourdassi, and Junior Camara scored right after from the penalty spot. Balbinotti added a goal just before halftime and completed his hat trick in the second half, helping his team win 5-0, earning the clean sheet.
“The first trip of the season is never easy,” said Impact U18 head coach Yoann Damet. “We have to take into consideration the load of the trip and maximize the preparation of the players. This is why I’m happy with the result, but even more with the performances of the players. We took some time to get into the game, but when we accelerated, we caused problems to the opponent. Scoring five goals and allowing none is also a huge satisfaction. We need to reinforce this, look forward and maintain high demands in the next weeks.”
The Impact U16 lost for the first time this season, by a 2-0 score. Despite a good second half, the goals conceded in the first half cost them the game.
“We were not patient enough to build and set up the attack, but we need to learn from the first games, despite the good results,” said Impact U16 head coach Nicolas Gagnon. “We didn’t control our emotions and it resulted in a lack of control of the play in the first half. We were better in the second half, but missed the chances we created.”
The USSDA Impact teams will host the New England Revolution teams this Saturday, October 29, at Centre Nutrilait, starting at 11am.
The U18s are still undefeated with a 3-0-2 record, while the U16s now have a 4-1-1 record.
