Saturday’s game in Chicago was a forgettable one for the Impact.
However, for forward Anthony Jackson-Hamel, it was one in which he may look back on with some keenness as he took to the pitch for the first time in 2015.
Although the results were definitely lacking, the experience for the former Academy player was important.
“With the circumstances of the game, it was tough to get in there and make a difference, but getting a solid bunch of minutes is good for the mentally and for the morale,” said the Quebec City native. “I just tried to bring some energy and intensity, while leaving everything I had on the pitch.”
It’s never easy for a young player to keep that mentality, especially when actual minutes are few and far between.
Jackson, as he’s known to teammates, made only five appearances with the first team, for a total of 162 minutes since signing with the first team last August from the club’s Academy. He saw his first minutes of the year last weekend, and first since making his only career start, on September 13, 2014, in a game in which he didn’t play his natural position.
“You have to realize that as a young player, your chance will take a little time to come,” added Jackson-Hamel, who ironically played his youth soccer for the Junior Impact. “All I’ve been doing is to try to work really hard in practice and take any opportunity I’m given, whether in USL or with the first team.”
Jackson did manage to play a handful of games with FC Montreal in USL over recent weeks, which will be a key tool for the progression of future young pros like him, and showed well while playing his natural forward position.
And as a striker who is still looking for his first goal as a professional, he has his first celebration all mapped out.
“For sure, I’ll look to my mother and thank her. She’s played a huge role in helping me get to where I am and I’ll be dedicating my first goal to her.”
