Patrice Bernier is one of two former Orange currently in MLS.
Catching Up With Patrice Bernier
3/6/2012 12:29:00 PM | Men's Soccer
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Former Syracuse midfielder Patrice Bernier recently signed with the newest franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS), the Montreal Impact. Bernier played at SU from 1998-99. The Quebec native earned All-BIG EAST First Team honors in 1999 and BIG EAST All-Rookie Team accolades in 1998.
Bernier joins former goalkeeper Jeremy Vuolo in the top tier of North American soccer. SUathletics.com recently caught up with Bernier to talk about his professional playing experiences and expectations going into the 2012 season.
Q: How excited are you to play for the Montreal Impact in its inaugural season?
A: “It is going to be great. It is really nice to be coming back home and being able to play with my first club in MLS. I am looking forward especially to our first home game which will be held in Olympic Stadium, once known as the home of the Montreal Expos. I grew up going there to watch baseball and now I'll have the chance to play on the field.”
Q: What are your expectations for the 2012 season?
A: “I hope to perform at the highest possible level and help my team hopefully enter the playoffs. As an expansion team, we have to be realistic that it will be a very tough year and that we have to go one game at a time.”
Q: What players are you looking forward to competing against this year?
A: “Actually, I only know a few players in this league. I will be looking forward to play against Thierry Henry. Everything is going to be brand new for me and so after a few games I will be able to see who I like to match up against.”
Q: You have enjoyed a successful 12-year professional career. What advice would you offer to a young player with professional aspirations?
A: “I would say first and foremost, work ethic will bring you far. Always give your best and look to exceed your expectations. Second would be mental toughness. It is not easy, the professional life. There will be ups and downs, but do not let the down shift break you. It has to motivate you to get better and improve.
Q: You currently have played 47 games for the Canadian National Team. How do you feel about the prospect of representing Canada at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil?
A: “It would be a great accomplishment to make it to the World Cup personally, and also for Canada, as we have only made once (1986). The road is long and there are many other countries to get past before seeing the nice and beautiful country of Brazil. It would be the icing on the cake for my career.”
The Impact opens its inaugural MLS season on March 10 when it takes on the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Bernier joins former goalkeeper Jeremy Vuolo in the top tier of North American soccer. SUathletics.com recently caught up with Bernier to talk about his professional playing experiences and expectations going into the 2012 season.
Q: How excited are you to play for the Montreal Impact in its inaugural season?
A: “It is going to be great. It is really nice to be coming back home and being able to play with my first club in MLS. I am looking forward especially to our first home game which will be held in Olympic Stadium, once known as the home of the Montreal Expos. I grew up going there to watch baseball and now I'll have the chance to play on the field.”
Q: What are your expectations for the 2012 season?
A: “I hope to perform at the highest possible level and help my team hopefully enter the playoffs. As an expansion team, we have to be realistic that it will be a very tough year and that we have to go one game at a time.”
Q: What players are you looking forward to competing against this year?
A: “Actually, I only know a few players in this league. I will be looking forward to play against Thierry Henry. Everything is going to be brand new for me and so after a few games I will be able to see who I like to match up against.”
Q: You have enjoyed a successful 12-year professional career. What advice would you offer to a young player with professional aspirations?
A: “I would say first and foremost, work ethic will bring you far. Always give your best and look to exceed your expectations. Second would be mental toughness. It is not easy, the professional life. There will be ups and downs, but do not let the down shift break you. It has to motivate you to get better and improve.
Q: You currently have played 47 games for the Canadian National Team. How do you feel about the prospect of representing Canada at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil?
A: “It would be a great accomplishment to make it to the World Cup personally, and also for Canada, as we have only made once (1986). The road is long and there are many other countries to get past before seeing the nice and beautiful country of Brazil. It would be the icing on the cake for my career.”
The Impact opens its inaugural MLS season on March 10 when it takes on the Vancouver Whitecaps.
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