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The Montreal Impact might not be having the season they previously envisioned, as they currently sit bottom of the Eastern Conference and with it looking more and more like the focus is now on planning for the 2015 season.
That said, the fans and the Impact organization can take pride in seeing some of its players on the International stage next week, as four Montreal Impact players have been named to the Canadian national team ahead of its clash against Jamaica at the National Soccer Stadium in Toronto on September 9th.
One of those players is budding young defender Karl Ouimette. The 22-year-old Impact academy product has been receiving quality minutes across all fronts and that has been something that has been key for his overall development.
“It’s been good,” Ouimette told RedNation from the Canadian National Team training camp in Alliston, Ontario. “I’ve been improving with practice and playing in more games. So far I’ve played in the Voyageurs Cup, CONCACAF Champions League and MLS. Starting in all of these games has given me good experiences to take into the national team.”
One key to his growth that could translate as a positive when suiting up for Canada is his versatility, an aspect of his game that has been thoroughly tested out at club level.
“I’ve been changing positions quite a bit in Montreal and playing all across the defence,” Ouimette said. “I’ve played left back, right back and centre-back this season and getting work in all of these positions has made me better.”
This is the third training camp Ouimette has been involved in with Canada, allowing him to become more comfortable with the surroundings while he’s still learning the ropes as a young professional.
Being part of the current player transition under Head Coach Benito Floro, the Repentigny, Quebec native is a big part of the team’s plans going forward and his ability to be versatile has been something that Floro has already tested.
“At the last camp in Florida we played a game and within 90 minutes I started as a right back, switched to left back and finished the game at centre-back.” Ouimette explained. “I don’t know what position they’re expecting me to play in (this time out), but I’m ready for anything.”
Canada’s opponents this time around, Jamaica, are a nation in a similar situation as Canada given that they are also transitioning into a new generation of players and playing under a new coach. However, the overall style of the Jamaicans play is expected to remain the same and that is something Ouimette and the rest of the national team is preparing for.
“They’re a fast team with players that like to run, but we’re ready and building up what we’ve worked on in practice towards the game,” Ouimette said.
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