MONTREAL - The Montreal Impact announced on Saturday that midfielder Patrice Bernier has been chosen as the 2012 Team Most Valuable Player in the club’s inaugural season in Major League Soccer (MLS).
The Giuseppe Saputo Trophy, awarded to the player who most contributed to the team’s success, was voted on by media and supporters.
In his first season in MLS, the 32-year-old leads the Impact with nine goals and is second on the team with eight assists. Bernier is one of the league leaders in game-winning assists with four. He made 26 appearances so far this season, including 24 starts, totalling 2,104 minutes played leading up to today’s matchup.
Bernier is currently tied for fourth all-time in MLS with six gaols from the penalty spot in one season.
The Impact’s vice-captain was named the MLS Player of the Month in August, helping the Impact win four straight games, scoring three goals and three assists over that span.
Bernier was also recalled to the national team for recent World Cup qualifying matches bringing his cap totals to 49.
Bernier, a Brossard native, returned to the Impact in 2012, formerly wearing the team’s colours from 2000-2002, following 10 years in Europe.
