Better Late than Never:
On January 27 the Montreal Impact acquired Cameron International Ambroise Oyongo from the New York Red Bulls in a trade that sent Felipe back the other way. However a confusing dispute ensued between the Montreal Impact, New York Red Bulls, the Cameron Football Federation (FECA FOOT), and the players agent. The rest is history; Oyongo failed to report to training camp, bitterness set in, and confusion lingered, all while the player remained in Africa.
Montreal Impact: Ambroise Oyongo Situation Nearing Conclusion
Although it is not clear yet exactly what happened behind the scenes (MLS was involved in this matter), Oyongo tweeted this message out Saturday afternoon:
On my way to @Montréal !!!✈️⚽️⚪️⚫️I’m coming.feeling excited pic.twitter.com/WuiGR8FJZ5
— oyongo bitolo A (@OyongoA) May 2, 2015
After months of quiet from Ambroise Oyongo there appears to be some progress regarding his file (at least enough to get him on a plane to Montreal). This news cannot come soon enough as the Impact are facing an injury crisis on the backline with Donny Toia, Hassoun Camara, and Victor Cabrera out for at least two weeks. Although Oyongo is on his way to Montreal there is still some work to be done and Impact reporter Nick Sabetti notes that he won’t be training with the squad just yet.
Montreal Impact spokesman tells me Oyongo won’t be training just yet (still things to be resolved) but that his situation is encouraging #IMFC
— Nick Sabetti (@nicksabetti) May 2, 2015
At this point it is not clear what triggered the sudden change of heart from Oyongo (or his agent) however it is positive for all parties involved and it appears this situation is coming to a close. Although there may be some skeptics regarding Oyongo’s attitude, it was not long ago that Ignacio Piatti was heavily criticized for stating that he wanted to play for “New York or Miami” before he had even arrived in Canada. Nacho Piatti is now a fan favourite in Montreal and his comments have been long forgotten. Only time will tell if the Oyongo skeptics will subside. One thing is for certain; if Ambroise Oyongo lives up to his potential, the Montreal Impact defence will improve a lot quicker than without him.
Main Photo: ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images
