MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact announced on Tuesday that midfielder Mathieu Choinière signed a professional contract with the first team as an MLS Homegrown Player for the rest of the 2018 season, the 2019 season and three option years.

“Mathieu is a talented young player who progressed a lot during his time in our Academy as well as in training with the first team during the last six months,” said Montreal Impact technical director Adam Braz. “He has strong technical abilities as well as a good understanding of the game, which are two important characteristics for his position on the field. He has also shown that he has the right mentality and desire that are both necessary at the next level. We look forward to providing him with the proper environment and support to help him reach his potential.”

Choinière joined the Academy in 2011 after playing with club Spatial Saint-Hubert. This season, with the Impact U19, he scored 13 goals in 24 games. He also featured in the Toulon tournament with the Canadian U21 team, but earned his first international selection in November of 2013, at 14 years old.

“Signing my first professional contract in my city, with the Montreal Impact, means so much to me,” said Mathieu Choinière. “I’d like to thank my parents for their sacrifices and advice in order to help me develop. They have been the foundation of my career until now. I’d also like to thank the personnel at the Academy and everyone who helped me grow not only as a player, but also as a person.”

Choinière took part in the first team’s preseason camp and regularly participates in first team training sessions. He is the brother of David Choinière, who signed his first pro contract in 2016.

Transaction: The Montreal Impact signs Mathieu Choinière to an homegrown contract on July 17.

MATHIEU CHOINIÈRE

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5’9’’

Weight: 150lbs

Date of birth: February 7, 1999

Place of residence: Saint-Alexandre

Previous team: Impact U19

Date acquired: July 17, 2018