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Impact Midfielder Patrice Bernier Returns to the Canadian National Team to Captain Side Against Curacao in Montreal

Bernier v._Curacao

Stone Sports Management congratulates Montreal Impact Captain Patrice Bernier on his return to the Canadian National Team. Canada's new Head Coach Octavio Zambrano called in the Broussard, Quebec native after a 2-year absence to lead his first starting line-up today against Curacao in a Gold Cup preparation match. The match has extra meaning to Bernier as he plays in front of his hometown fans at Stade Saputo in Montreal. The 37-year-old veteran is having a revitalized season so far in MLS and in the Canadian Championship consistently playing at a high level and one of the top players on the Impact each game. Bernier has logged 844 minutes between 9 starts and 3 substitue appearances, leading the team in assists (4) and to the Canadian Championship final against rival Toronto FC.  

Zambrano took notice and did not hesitate to include the Impact Captain in his inaugural call-ups, if there’s someone who has earned it, it’s him.” Zambrano has admired Patrice’s game for some time. “It’s his ability to find the right place and make the right pass, not waste any energy unnecessarily or put people under pressure.” As first-year coach, Zambrano is relying on Patrice to be a leader for his young Canadian team. “The game I prefer is about fluidity, transitioning the ball from defense to offence in a clever manner, and I’m counting on him (Patrice),” said Zambrano. “I convinced him for the Gold Cup, but after that, I may have another conversation for him to continue a little longer.”

Bernier is no stranger to the Canadian National Team having earned 53 caps (38 starts and 2 Goals). He made his debut for Canada November 15, 2003 and represented the country in both the 2004 CONCACAF and the FIFA 2006 World Cup Qualifiers. He logged a career high 14 consecutive matches for Canada between 2004 and 2006. In 2009, Patrice appeared in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup but missed the event in 2011 due to injury. The 5’ 9” Midfielder returned stronger than ever in 2014 after his 2013 MLS All-Star appearance helping Canada in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. He last put on the Canadian jerseyon January 19 2015 against Iceland. Click HERE to watch Bernier's pre-match press conference and HERE for his interview discussing his latest Canadian National Team role.

"I could have easily said no [to the invitation] and let this new generation of players play [but] it is a nice opportunity to play at home for the National Team," reflected Bernier.  I am happy I will be able to wear the jersey again and finish off on a good note because the last few games [with Canada] back in World Cup qualifying, I am not so fond of." Bernier has been a model professional for the Impact and deserves this recognition.

"I am extremely proud of Patrice and happy that his exceptional play this season has been recognized by Head Coach Octavio Zambrano and the Canadian National Team," says Stone Sports Management's President and FIFA Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone. "It is such an honor to put on the National Team jersey and even more special for Patrice to do so in his hometown, wear the Captain's armband and be counted on to help lead the team in the upcoming Gold Cup.  I am looking forward to him continuing to create more chapters in his legacy over these next months." 

Make sure to watch Patrice and the Canadian National Team tonight at 7:30pm EST and SSM wishes Patrice all the best in this match.  Check out his Career Assists video and follow Patrice on Twitter HERE.

 

 

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