Valour defender to the rescue

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This article was published 25/06/2022 (1431 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s been a cruel summer to date for Winnipeg Valour FC but the return of a star defender could be the kick in the behind the team needs to get back on track.

Andrew Jean-Baptiste returns to the lineup Sunday afternoon when Valour faces York United FC in Toronto. He’s played just 111 minutes over two matches this season, owing to recovery from a knee injury and a stint with the Haitian national team.

But with outside commitments fulfilled and plenty of time left in the Canadian Premier League season, his return to the lineup will be felt across the board.

“Every time we could get an injection of a player that has quality into the team. it’s important. It just increases our options,” said Valour head coach Phillip Dos Santos, following practice Friday morning. “It’s an important player for us for his leadership and what he brings to the team.”

Jean-Baptiste’s international and Major League Soccer experience makes him a valuable asset, added Dos Santos.

Jean-Baptiste was hailed as a potential MVP candidate prior to tearing his ACL last July in a 3-0 win over York United. In addition, Valour earned six clean-sheet wins in the seven matches he suited up for last season but went 4-5-12 without him.

“This is the best version of AJB we’ve had this year,” said Dos Santos. “So, we’ll see how he reacts to a game of higher demand.”

Winnipeg hasn’t won a match in over a month and is second-last on the CPL table. The club’s last taste of victory coincidentally came against York United on May 15 at IG Field.

“The hard part is watching and not being able to help,” said Jean-Baptiste. “You kind of have to watch out there and see the battle that your team goes into, it’s annoying that you have to watch it from the sidelines.”

Valour rookie Jacob Carlos has benefited from playing alongside Jean-Baptiste. The 20-year-old noted Jean-Baptiste’s professionalism has helped him adapt quickly to the league.

“Oh man, his experience is amazing,” said Carlos. “He’s played at the highest levels of the game. He brings that experience in and gives us our whole team some confidence.”

Jean-Baptiste was one of the last players off the pitch Friday, spending extra time working on headers and crosses, and was visibly pumped up with much of the results.

The 30-year-old’s practise jersey was drenched, and the beads of sweat poured from his head. A teammate walked by and yelled, “The king is back,” as the group dispersed for the day.

He said working on set plays and attacking schemes are important but taking time to focus on individual skills will go a long way.

“I’ve been off the pitch more than everybody else, I’ve just been out for a while,” said Jean-Baptiste. “Whatever moments I can get still on the field… coach monitors our load day in and day out.”

The emotions ahead of his return to CPL action range from anxiousness to excitement and he admitted “it’s been a while,” but welcomes the upcoming challenge.

“It’s ultimately a test for myself as well, mentally and physically,” he said.

Dos Santos said his group is facing as close to a must-win situation as possible, adding draws on the road are good for morale but won’t boost their lot in the standings.

He said the team can’t hide from the importance of its two upcoming matches out east.

“We can’t be afraid of taking that responsibility,” said Dos Santos. “We need to look at it like that and always aim for the maximum points knowing it’s extremely difficult.”

gavin.axelrod@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: Gavin77axe