August has been one heck of a month for Montreal Impact midfielder Patrice Bernier.
He was named MLS Player of the Month on Tuesday for helping his team go 4-0-0, registering three goals and three assists over that span. He was twice named to the MLSSoccer.com Team of the Week in august as well, for Weeks 24 and 25, based on his performances versus the New England Revolution and D.C. United, respectively.
On Wednesday, he was also named Soccer Canada’s Player of the Month for the second consecutive month.
And his recent run of success culminates this Friday with a return to the national team as he dons the maple leaf for a set of home and away World Cup qualifying matches versus Panama.
“Hopefully I can bring that form onto the pitch and help the team offensively – scoring or assists, too,” said Bernier. “We’ve got have to create chances and make sure we’re efficient.”
Friday night could see Bernier’s 48th cap if called upon by Canadian head coach Stephen Hart. He could potentially be the 10th time he represents Canada in a World Cup qualifying match over his career.
This matchup is of the utmost importance for Canada (4pts) as it sits second in its group behind Panama (6pts). A good result in this two-game series bodes well for a top two finish in the group, which brings with it a spot in the next round of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
“The game at home against arguably the best team in the group is extremely important,” said Canadian head coach Stephen Hart in a conference call.
The key matchup will be broadcast locally on TVA Sports at 7:30pm (ET). For full coverage of Canada's road to the FIFA World Cup, visit CanadaSoccer.com.
