Maxime Crépeau may be the youngest player to sign with the Impact in MLS, but watching him in goal you will see he demonstrates a maturity beyond his years.
The same holds true off the pitch as he answers five questions about his young career and his future at Stade Saputo.
So when did you get the call and how did you feel when you signed you first professional contract?
I was at home, having just returned from playing with the U20 Canadian national team, and I got a call from Nick De Santis. He told me that they were happy with my performances and work so far, and wanted to offer me a contract as the team’s third goalkeeper. I was ecstatic because it was the culmination of a lot of hard work. It is really a dream come true to get the opportunity to play for the pro team from my home town.
A little bitter sweet after being eliminated from the CONCACAF U20 Championships?
A little. We were really disappointed especially since many guys from this group had played at the U17 World Cup. We wanted to qualify and make a run at it, but the U.S. came out inspired for that game. We learn from it and look forward now. For me, coming home and getting a contract was a good way to refocus.
So, at the beginning of the season, your goal was to get a contract offer. With your first objective complete, what are your goals for the season?
I just really want to continue working on my game and become a better player. I’m a young keeper, so I have to go out there at practice every day with the mentality that I need to get better and continue to work hard on the little things that will bring me to the next level.
And for the future?
I won’t be content with the label of third goalkeeper. I want to do everything I can to grow and develop into the team’s number one keeper one day and my mentality is that from now on, that’s my goal. I think as goalkeepers, it’s important that all three of us (Perkins/Bush) train that way because you never know what might happen. An injury or a red card and you have to jump in there. You have to be ready for that day; to be ready to perform for your teammates.
It must make it a little easier to join the pros with a goalkeeper coach you know very well in Youssef Dahha and assistant coach Philippe Eullaffroy?
Yes, it does. Youssef has worked with me since I was 12-years-old as well as during my time with the Academy. He’s really intense on the field and pushes you to be the best you can be, but off the field, he’s easy to talk to or ask questions. Philippe scouted me and invited me to tryout with the Impact. He showed a lot of faith in me over the years, despite some difficult times. It will make the transition easier, but now it’s up to me to keep working hard.
