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SBI MLS Player of the Week: Patrice Bernier

PatriceBernier (Getty)

By IVES GALARCEP

The Montreal Impact are off to a dream start to the season, having posted a two-game winning streak during a short road trip through the Pacific Northwest. The two road wins are as many as they recorded in all of 2012 and there is clear reason for optimism up North.

One of the keys to Montreal’s strong start has been the play of Canadian midfielder Patrice Bernier, who has once again been an anchor in the middle and a stabilizing force for new head coach Marco Schallibaum.

Bernier’s performance in Montreal’s 2-1 victory against the Portland Timbers may not have been the flashiest of the weekend, but in many ways it was the most complete. He helped neutralize Portland’s attack, shutting down Timbers playmaker Diego Valeri, and also helped orchestrate the Impact’s game-winning goal with a beautiful pass that unlocked Portland’s defense. It is that complete performance that made Bernier the pick as SBI MLS Player of the Week for Week Two.

Bernier beat out Welsh forward Robert Earnshaw, Vancouver’s Daigo Kobayashi, Philadelphia’s Amobi Okugo and New England’s Jerry Bengtson for this week’s honors.

What did you think of Bernier’s performance? Which MLS player would have garnered your vote for Player of the Week?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. I’m a rather large Timbers fan, but as much as it hurts, Bernier shut down Valeri and any space between the lines COMPLETELY.

    I’d also actually give Hassoun Camara a nod here – not only did he shut down Darlington Nagbe all game, but he scored Montreal’s game-winning goal with a bicycle kick…. and he’s a right back.

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  2. Great choice, and an informed one too.

    POTW seems to always draft towards the guy who has the highest statistical output, but rarely goes the actual best player. I wonder if some of the voters actually watch the games.

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  3. Bernier’s not afraid of his own shadow. MLS central attaking midfilders will soon be !

    I’ve only seen the Portland/MontrĂ©al game. I do agree that in that game, he was MOTM.

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