Canadian camp: Porter says FCE decision to come soon, Beaulieu-Bourgault admits to MLS talks

Kyle Porter

For a number of players in the Canadian squad, January is more than just a chance to impress the national-team brass. It’s also an opportunity just to find work somewhere in the world this season.

The squad includes the likes of Jonathan Beaulieu-Bourgault, Evan James and Mason Trafford, who are all out of contract. Kyle Porter is another player who could fit in that category with FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller giving the forward a deadline to sign a new deal.

Ironically enough, Miller’s also the interim head coach of Canada and Porter admits there’s no friction between the two. Their relationship dates back to when both players were in the Vancouver Whitecaps organization.

“I’ve known Colin so there’s no awkwardness. I’ve talked to him,” said Porter. “I’ve had numerous chats with him and everything seems to be good and right now the focus is just on these upcoming games so right now that’s what I’m focussing on.”

When Miller was named interim head coach for Canada’s pair of games against Denmark on Saturday and the United States next Tuesday, he revealed that Porter was on the Canadian roster for January’s games at his request so, on the surface, there appears to be no strain in the relationship. While not wanting to get into detail, Porter admitted the situation should be over soon.

“Very soon,” Porter said when asked when the matter will be resolved one way or another. “Right now the focus is on the national team and performing well and we’re in a negotiation process so from there anything can happen so things look positive.”

Miller has been brought in to get Edmonton back on track after a disappointing 2012 campaign and Porter does see a bright future for the club. He did make it seem like Edmonton was more than likely to be his home in 2013.

“Colin is going to change the whole program around. I’ve known him in Vancouver and he did well with that club,” said Porter. “I personally think that last year wasn’t the greatest of scenarios in Edmonton but everything’s changed and it’s looking very positive.”

On the other side of the coin, Beaulieu-Bourgault has essentially been out of work since the 2011-12 European season when he was with German third division side Preussen Muenster. Despite some optimistic signs, he still remains without a club.

“I had good options and interest but at the end of the day it never happened really. I had one option but I didn’t really want to go so I came back to Montreal and trained there the last three months before Christmas,” he said. “It was hard for sure but that’s the business. I’ve been in Europe the last six years so I know how it is so for sure it’s a bit hard because I was quite confident.”

With the European transfer window closing in a matter of days, Beaulieu-Bourgault has admitted that that even in Tucson with the Canadian national team he’s still in touch with his agent and there is the possibility of getting something done.

Beaulieu-Bourgault is hampered by the lack of a European Union passport but while working the clubs in Europe, he’s admitted opening the lines of communication with clubs on this side of the Atlantic.

“I’ve had some talks. I won’t be able to say the team right now,” he revealed. When pressed whether it’s in NASL or MLS he went on to say,

“It’s in MLS. Those have been the talks lately. I’m always interested in MLS, just I was in Europe so I wanted to stay there and go as high as I can.”