Quebec soccer is doing well and the selections of the Canadian men’s soccer team for the play-off match for the Copa América against Trinidad and Tobago later this month are proof of that, believes the midfielder. ground of CF Montréal Mathieu Choinière.
Choinière is one of four players from the Montreal eleven — including three from Quebec — who were selected by the interim head coach of the Canadian team, Mauro Biello, for the match which will be presented on March 23 in Frisco, Texas .
“I am proud that there are so many Quebecers called up by the national team,” said Choinière from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where CF Montreal trains. This shows that coaches in Quebec do a very good job of bringing soccer players to the highest levels. It’s great to see that. »
Choinière believes that Quebec players are benefiting from a change in philosophy that is taking place within the Canadian men’s soccer team. Biello, who previously managed CF Montreal, indicated on Tuesday when announcing his selections that he intended to undergo a rejuvenation treatment for the Canadian squad, in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup which will take place, among others, in Canada.
“I spoke with Mauro after the match in Japan [en octobre dernier], and he basically told me that I had to perform with my club, that I had to play in my position, and that’s what I tried to do at the start of the season, Choinière said. I’m really happy to be selected once again, and I’m looking forward to playing Trinidad and Tobago. »
The other CF Montreal players retained by Biello are goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois, defender Joel Waterman, as well as midfielder Samuel Piette. Choinière took the opportunity to praise Sirois, who will be making his first career selection with Canada on the international scene.
“If there is only one guy who deserves his selection, I think it’s him. He gave great performances, he worked very hard and he helped the team. I think it’s more than deserved [dans son cas] », summarized the 25-year-old Quebecer.
If Canada wins against Trinidad and Tobago, then it will qualify for the Copa América and will find itself in Group A along with Peru, Chile and… Argentina.
Asked if he dreamed of coming up against star player Lionel Messi in the Copa América, after last weekend’s missed meeting against Inter Miami in MLS, Choinière remained evasive. However, he sang the praises of the Argentinian, after meeting him by chance leaving the locker room in Florida.
“He was very generous, he took the time for photos, signed a jersey… He’s a very “nice” person, said the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu player. It was very fast, but it was the “fun” of seeing a player that you have watched on TV since you were young, who is an idol for everyone in soccer, to be there. It’s intimidating, but it’s also “fun”. »
It’s a safe bet that it will be much less so next weekend, when CF Montreal will face the Fire in Chicago on Saturday starting at 2 p.m.