A lot will be riding on the proposed Canadian Premier League soccer season for goalkeeper James Pantemis.
The 23-year-old from Montreal is slated to play for Valour FC in 2020, on loan from the Montreal Impact of Major League Soccer.
It will be an opportunity for him to prove he’s ready for a step up to North America’s top pro league and to represent Canada at the Olympics in 2021, all while helping to solidify a Valour back end that was suspect at best in 2019.
“This is a big year for me in terms of proving myself,” Pantemis said from Montreal on Monday. “I’m humbled and I acknowledge that everybody speaks highly of me and my potential and it’s time to prove it now.
“Everybody can say what they want about me being a good prospect, but it doesn’t really matter if I don’t show it on the field. That’s what I’m going for this year.”
Pantemis was called up to Canada’s Under-23 team this year and had a good chance of playing in the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Those games, like the MLS and CPL seasons, were postponed, but Pantemis still has a chance to play for Canada at Tokyo in 2021, as an exception will be made and 24-year-olds will be allowed to compete this time around.
“In terms of the Olympics, obviously it was a bit disappointing,” Pantemis said. “These are moments that you dream of when you’re growing up. You watch the Olympics on TV, whether it’s in the winter of the summer and having a chance to participate in it as well is just an amazing opportunity.
“It was sad that we weren’t able to compete.
“Luckily they are making an exception and they will be changing that year, so we’ll have the eligibility to play again next year, which is great.”
Of course, he still needs to make that team, and his road to accomplishing that starts in Winnipeg.
Pantemis was due to arrive in Winnipeg Monday evening and start a 14-day quarantine before joining his team for training at IG Field.
“Even though I was selected for the last (Olympic) camp, that doesn’t necessarily mean my spot is guaranteed for the following year,” Pantemis said. “It’s gonna be a big year for me to be able to prove myself and earn my spot for the Olympics.”
Valour FC players have been training for a few weeks now — they are now allowed to do so in groups of 10 — even though the CPL has not yet released full information on its season.
Back on June 5, the Canadian Premier League unanimously agreed on a proposed strategy for the 2020 season and announced it was exploring Prince Edward Island and Vancouver Island as possible hubs in which to play games.
“To me, it doesn’t really matter if it’s in Winnipeg or P.E.I., or B.C., as long as I get to play in it,” Pantemis said.
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