An Encouraging Inaugural Season for the Academy
Published on October 26, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Montreal Impact News Release
MONTREAL - After finishing just two points out of a playoff spot in 2010, the Montreal Impact Academy addressed the many positives in reviewing its inaugural season.
Over 260 training sessions, combined with 43 games this season (total combined for all competitions), helped the young Academy players progress towards their ultimate goal of, one day, suiting up for the Montreal in the MLS.
"Winning is crucial, but losing is not important," said Philippe Eullaffroy, director of player development and head coach of the Academy. "The development of these young players comes with errors, be it individually or collectively. This is part of the job and we have to accept it. These young players grew in a confident environment, as the only pressure they had was to progress as a player and show that they had the potential to play at a higher level. We will only see the end result of their hard work in a few years from now."
In 2010, approximately 10 players of the reserve team trained with the first team during the season. On a few occasions, goalkeeper Dominic Provost, defender Bonheur Aubey and midfielder Bastien Bourgault names were also added to the 18-player roster for games with the pros, while midfielder Kevin Cossette actually saw action in three matches with the Impact in the USSF Second Division.
As was announced last Thursday, six members of the Academy were nominated for Canadian Soccer League (CSL) individual honours, which will be awarded this Sunday, as part of the championship festivities.
During the last year, six Impact's reserve players were also named to the Canadian national team. Francesco Augustin, Amine Meftouh and Serge Dinkota were invited to the Under-20 squad, while Maxime Crépeau, Ismaïl Benomar and Marco Lapenna were named to the U-17 roster.
The Academy was made up primarily of players less than 21 years of age last season, with most of its members originating from Quebec. About 70% of the players from last season will be returning, confirmed Eullaffroy.
"Most of our players will be returning next year. For the other 30%, recruiting is going well. This season, the coaching staff scouted many players that could potentially make the squad next season during the provincial teams, the Jeux du Quebec and the Quebec Cup. We also watched over 30 games in the U16 and U18 categories of the Quebec Elite Soccer League."
To complete the recruiting process, the Academy will organize some open tryouts in Montreal, with details being released in the next few days.
As the 2010 season officially ended on September 25, the team will take part in a final practice Friday at Saputo Stadium. The Academy players will then take advantage of two weeks off before slowly returning to the pitch starting November 16 in preparation for a number of pre-season games against university teams set for mid-January.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from October 26, 2010
- An Encouraging Inaugural Season for the Academy - Montreal Impact
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