There were emotions during this assessment of CF Montreal. But the most notable came from Mathieu Choinière, recipient of two of the club’s three end-of-season trophies.
The Quebecer was named CFM MVP for the 2023 season. His five goals and as many assists make him the team’s top scorer. But it is also his hard work, his seriousness and his passion that made him stand out.
It is not for nothing that he also received the Jason-di-Tullio trophy, awarded to the player who demonstrated the most grinta. Di Tullio’s mother, Giulia Garofano, handed it to him in person, her cheeks still wet from the tears that flowed during the video recalling her son’s journey with the Impact.
“It’s a trophy that means a lot to me,” Choinière said a few moments later. Who really touches my heart. I knew Jason for a long time, in the academy, as a professional. The passion he exuded was exceptional. It’s something I’ve always wanted to keep within me. Winning this trophy, and representing Jason in this regard, is something that means a lot to me. I’m really happy to have won it. »
Unlike the other two end-of-season honors, voted on by fans, the recipient of the Jason Di-Tullio Trophy is chosen by his teammates.
Goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois, who for his part received the trophy for defensive player of the year, remembers a “marking moment” this season for Choinière.
“His tackle against Nashville. For me, it is the symbol of his season with us. He is someone who sacrificed body and soul for the club. For us, it was natural to vote for him. »
Choinière had run like a madman to return to his own zone in time, and take the ball from Taylor Washington last June. His reaction after his success said it all.
Thanks to the “boys”
As is his habit, Mathieu Choinière did not want to take all the credit for his successes in 2023. According to him, if he was named player par excellence, it is thanks to his “ boys on the team “.
“They made me better this year. I needed them to perform as well as I could. »
He says he felt a connection from preseason with head coach Hernán Losada, “on a football and emotional level.”
“It allowed me to express myself, I had the full confidence of the staff. »
” Pride ”
Sirois was also in the running for MVP, with his 11 shutouts, a club record.
But already receiving the title of defensive player testifies to “a long adventure” in 2023. Remember that the goalkeeper started the season on the bench, before taking advantage of the injury to James Pantemis to take away his starting position .
“I didn’t expect that at all,” he said, smiling. I had to readjust my objectives during the season. »
He attributes his success to “a long process, which dates from this year and from previous years”.
“The loans in the Canadian Premier League, the discipline, the open-mindedness, and also the fruit of the collective work of the goalkeepers at the club,” he also lists to explain his rise to power.
With all that, two Quebecers are receiving the end of season trophies from CF Montreal.
Sirois speaks of “pride”, and hopes to be able to inspire the young people of the academy.
“They can say to themselves that they are not just going to sign pro, and have a minor or secondary role in the club. These players can also have a main role and have a big impact on the club’s season. »