Tristan Borges joined OneSoccer on Friday to discuss his breakout 2019 season with Forge FC, his big haul at last year’s CPL Awards ceremony, and his move to Belgium side OH Leuven this off-season.
Borges spoke to OneSoccer’s Asa Rehman after “From Stone” – a documentary about the creation of the CPL Awards by world-renowned artists in Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Nunavut – premiered on the CPL’s YouTube channel..
Borges took home three of those soapstone awards last season, including the “Hunter” (Golden Boot), “Nikisuittuq” (Player of the Year), and “Polar Bear” (Best Under-21 of the Year).
“When I got home, I put it across the table the family got to see them,” said Borges, before adding the three awards are at his parents’ home in the Greater Toronto Area.
“They’re in a nice spot for all of us to remember the season I had. Being very different makes it that much more special. It’s not a very everyday award – not something that shines in a room.”
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A 21-year-old native of Toronto, Borges was unquestionably the biggest story of the Canadian Premier League’s inaugural season. He scored a league-high 13 goals (including the winner in Leg 1 of Finals 2019), while also winning plaudits for his dynamic attacking style and the strength of his overall game.
Speaking to his off-season move to second-tier Belgian side OH Leuven, Borges said returning to Forge was in the cards before OH Leuven approached him in late December. Borges also mentioned MLS interest, including from Montreal Impact.
“Returning to Forge was always in my head because I wanted to be part of something special in this new league,” Borges said. “There was some interest from MLS clubs, Montreal was one of them.
“MLS is a great league for CPL players. But for me jumping to Europe made sense. I’m glad I made the decision.”
To watch OneSoccer’s interview with Tristan Borges in full, click here.