The Canadian Premier League is built on the promise of building the future of soccer in Canada. THE NEXT GEN celebrates this promise by showcasing and honouring the best young Canadian soccer talent from coast to coast in the Canadian Premier League.
Welcome the NEXT GEN CLASS OF 2020, an eight-part video series celebrating the best young Canadian talent on display during the Canadian Premier League 2020 season. These incredible young players’ performances demonstrated their talent and grit at the Island Games in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and are proof that professional soccer is now attainable in Canada.
David Choinière is Forge FC’s secret weapon.
From Canadian Premier League Championship-clinching goals to triumphs abroad in Concacaf League, the 23-year-old Eastern Quebec product has a knack for coming up big when it matters – a streak worthy of a nomination for CPL’s “The Next Gen.”
Choiniere snagged a goal and assist through four matches at The Island Games, with his ability to run at and behind defenders turning out to be Bobby Smyrniotis’ biggest asset in the final third.
Take his Concacaf League campaign, including this assist on Mo Babouli’s goal vs. Tauro FC. Catching their backline in transition, the former Montreal Impact product is still yards behind the defender when he calls for the ball. Not only does he catch up to the through ball, he manages a wicked cut from the right and delivered a tricky ball at speed. His goal against Municipal Limeño was similarly impressive if nothing else than for the timing of it.
Choinière was only building on the reputation he set in 2019 when he scored a crucial winner against Antigua GFC – Forge’s first game in Concacaf competition. He followed that up with the 2nd leg Finals 2019 marker vs. Cavalry FC, running the length of the Spruce Meadows pitch to clinch the championship.
The final goal of the #CanPL season comes from David Choinière ⚽️#CanPLFinals pic.twitter.com/31dYHH1OUl
— CanPL (@CPLsoccer) November 4, 2019
It’s no wonder Choinière has success in “big” games for Forge. With slim margins, against tough defensive units, you need some quick thinking to match.
When asked about his ability to perform in monumental matches, the shifty winger keeps mum.
“I like having the pressure,” Choinière told CanPL.ca.
“Everybody’s asking me, ‘Why do you always score in those big games?’ But I don’t have any answer. I just play my game, I try to do my best every time I’m on the pitch. Luckily I get the chance to score some big goals.”
