The Montreal Impact ended the first part of its training camp in Orlando last week, in preparation for its fifth MLS season. In Florida, six FC Montreal players were invited to join the group to show their qualities to the first team’s technical staff.
On January 26, goalkeepers James Pantemis and David Paulmin, defender Thomas Meilleur-Giguère and midfielders Louis Béland-Goyette, David Choinière and Marco Dominguez were on the plane with the first team, ready to live an unforgettable experience.
“I really liked the camp. It’s a different experience,” said David Choinière. “You see how the first team players prepare, how they practice and the level of play. It’s an adaptation. I really appreciated the time I spent with them. I went there with no pressure, mostly to gain experience, progress and be with veterans that have a lot of experience in this league.”
What they lived on the field with the players will be an asset, but it’s also what they shared off the field that will leave its mark.
“It was a first experience for me and I came to learn,” said David Paulmin. “Off the field, I wanted to see how Evan Bush and Eric Kronberg were getting ready with the heat, the treatments and hydrating. I was surprised by the team spirit and really felt included in the group. We had a night out with the group at the end and there was good team bonding.”
Mauro Biello, the first team head coach, had only good words for the Academy players. He also took the time to talk to them and explain what they were doing right and what they had to work on.
“Mauro Biello is someone who likes to have one on one contact,” added Choinière. “It’s easier when you have the feedback from the coach to know what you have to work on. I really liked that from Mauro and I knew what to expect.”
These FC Montreal players knew they could count on the experience of other Academy graduates.
“It was the third camp for me, but I thought the level was really high this year,” said first team midfielder Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé. “When the young players come in, the atmosphere is already really strong, but I think they didn’t disappoint. The first time you arrive in the group, you want to leave a good impression, work and respect the veterans. I think they have nothing to be ashamed of and worked really well.”
Those players who returned from the first portion of camp with the first team will now be able to share that experience with the rest of the USL team.
