Nicolas Lesage
Encyclopedia
Nicolas Lesage is a retired Canadian
soccer player who played as a striker.
Lesage began his career at the college level
during his enrollment at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
. Upon his graduation from university, Lesage would sign with the Montreal Impact
. His tenure at Montreal was an unsuccessful experience where he failed to debut for the club, which ultimately led to him being released from his contract. Following his release from the Impact, Lesage's soccer career went into a temporarily stagnation stage, which resulted in him spenting time in local amateur leagues. Afters of years of obscurity in Canadian soccer, Lesage's career received a major boost once he signed with the Trois-Rivières Attak
of the Canadian Soccer League
.
It was at Trois-Rivieres that established Lesage into a consistent forward that dominated the CSL, and brought the Attak to a position of prestige among the league. Under Marc Dos Santos
direction, Lesage became Trois-Rivieres' all-time leading scorer with 31 goals in all competitions. He assisted the club by claiming their first Open Canada Cup
and National Division title; he was awarded the Canadian Soccer League MVP Award
, and the CSL Golden Boot
becoming the first person in CSL history to win two individual awards in a season. Lesage spent his final season with Trois-Rivieres as club captain, leading them to CSL Cup final in 2008
. In January 2009, after only two years with the Attak, he announced his retirement from soccer to become the Head Coach for the Sélect Trois-Rivières
.
Lesage played college soccer
with the UQTR Patriotes
for five years. During his university career his achievements were being a member for the CIS
all-star team for three years. While still playing for the patriotes he played one season with the Toledo Slayers
of the USL Premier Development League
in 2004.
On April 23, 2005 he signed a contract with the Montreal Impact
of the USL First Division
. He featured, and played in most pre-season matches, but as the season progressed he failed to make a single appearance in an Impact shirt. This led him to go on seasons loan to the Laval Dynamites
. He was subsequently released the following season and returned to the LSEQ, this time he signed with the Trois-Rivières Sélect. He continued his fine scoring legacy leading his team in goals, and being named an all-star for the third time in his career, as well as winning his second golden ball award.
for the 2007 CSL season. His signing was announced in a press conference on May 2, 2007. He made his Attak debut in 0–0 tie at Toronto Croatia
on May 12. He scored his first goal against the Canadian Lions which ended out being the winning goal in 2–1 victory. He soon became an instant impact, forming a strong attacking partnership with Darko Kolic
.
He played an influential role for the Attak in the Open Canada Cup
final against the Columbus Clan F.C., coming on as substitute for Ibrahim Baldeh
in 51 minute, and scoring the first goal of the match in nine minutes. The Attak would end up winning the match 3–0, claiming their first trophy in their debut Open Canada Cup season
. Lesage concluded the season as the Attak and CSL leading scorer with 20 goals combined in all competitions.
As the Attak entered the playoffs Lesage scored the first goal in 3–0 victory eliminating defending CSL champions the Italia Shooters
in the quarter-final round.
But their playoff run ended on October 21 against the Serbian White Eagles
with two first half goals coincided, Lesage scored in the 84 minute to bring life to the Attak, but Serbia hung on and advanced to the final.
On November 4 at CSL Awards Banquet he was awarded the CSL MVP Award
, and the CSL Golden Boot
. To add to his silverware Lesage was also awarded the Trois-Rivières Attak Golden Boot award at the Trois-Rivières Attak annual awards banquet on November 6, 2007.
Lesage extended his contract with the Attak on February 12, 2008. During the 2008 CSL season for the second year in a row he led his team in goals, scoring 8 goals in all competitions. Lesage also helped the Attak claim the National Division title, the club's first Division title. On October 11 he scored the winning goal against St. Catharines Wolves
in 2–0 victory in the playoff quarterfinals. In the semi-final match Lesage contributed a goal in the 75' minute in a 7–0 victory over Portugal FC
, and for the first time the Attak advanced into the CSL Cup
where they would face White Eagles once again. In the final match Lesage came off the bench to score in the 70' minute and tie the game 1–1, after both teams equalized in extra time the game went into penalties, where the White Eagles won the match 2–1. At the 2008 Trois-Rivières Attak annual awards banquet Lesage was awarded for the second consecutive time the Trois-Rivières Attak Golden Boot award with whom he shared with Pierre-Rudolph Mayard
for having scored the most goals over the course of the regular season.
of the Association régionale de soccer de la Mauricie (ARSM).
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
soccer player who played as a striker.
Lesage began his career at the college level
College soccer
College soccer is a term used to describe association football played by teams who are operated by colleges and universities as opposed to a professional league operated for exclusively financial purposes...
during his enrollment at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
The Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières , established in 1969 is a campus of the Université du Québec, located in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. The university has 12,500 students in 8 different campuses, including the main one in Trois-Rivières. About 1000 of them come from overseas, from 60...
. Upon his graduation from university, Lesage would sign with the Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
. His tenure at Montreal was an unsuccessful experience where he failed to debut for the club, which ultimately led to him being released from his contract. Following his release from the Impact, Lesage's soccer career went into a temporarily stagnation stage, which resulted in him spenting time in local amateur leagues. Afters of years of obscurity in Canadian soccer, Lesage's career received a major boost once he signed with the Trois-Rivières Attak
Trois-Rivières Attak
Trois-Rivières Attak FC is a Canadian soccer team, taking a sabbatical year from the Canadian Soccer League. They formally served as a reserve/academy team for the USL First Division side Montreal Impact until 2010, when Montreal Impact founded their own academy...
of the Canadian Soccer League
Canadian Soccer League
The Canadian Soccer League is the top soccer league in Canada and is controlled by the Canadian Soccer Association. It was formerly known as the Canadian Professional Soccer League , and was officially re-branded on May 17, 2006...
.
It was at Trois-Rivieres that established Lesage into a consistent forward that dominated the CSL, and brought the Attak to a position of prestige among the league. Under Marc Dos Santos
Marc Dos Santos
Marc Dos Santos is a Canadian soccer manager. Most recently, Dos Santos was the head coach of the Montreal Impact in the D2 Pro League from 2009 until his resignation in June 2011. Dos Santos is of Portuguese ancestry.-Trois-Rivières Attak:...
direction, Lesage became Trois-Rivieres' all-time leading scorer with 31 goals in all competitions. He assisted the club by claiming their first Open Canada Cup
Open Canada Cup
The Open Canada Cup was a Canadian soccer competition, similar in concept to tournaments such as the English FA Cup, the Coppa Italia, and the US Open Cup. The competition was held starting with the CSL's first season in 1998 until 2007....
and National Division title; he was awarded the Canadian Soccer League MVP Award
Canadian Soccer League MVP Award
The Canadian Soccer League MVP Award is a football award for Canadian Soccer League in Canada. The award is given to the player deemed the most valuable player in the league in any given season....
, and the CSL Golden Boot
CSL Golden Boot
The Canadian Soccer League Golden Boot is an annual award given to the player who led the league in goals during the regular season, the playoffs, and before 2008 in the Open Canada Cup games. The award has been presented since the 1998 season, when the league debuted as the Canadian Professional...
becoming the first person in CSL history to win two individual awards in a season. Lesage spent his final season with Trois-Rivieres as club captain, leading them to CSL Cup final in 2008
Rogers Cup (soccer)
The Canadian Soccer League championship final is the final play-off game of the Canadian Soccer League and its predecessor the Canadian Professional Soccer League...
. In January 2009, after only two years with the Attak, he announced his retirement from soccer to become the Head Coach for the Sélect Trois-Rivières
Trois-Rivières Attak
Trois-Rivières Attak FC is a Canadian soccer team, taking a sabbatical year from the Canadian Soccer League. They formally served as a reserve/academy team for the USL First Division side Montreal Impact until 2010, when Montreal Impact founded their own academy...
.
Playing career
Lesage started his career playing at the youth level with Francheville of Trois-Rivières in the LSEQ. His tenure with the club was quite successful, being a member of the LSEQ all-star team twice in 2001, and 2003. He was a finalist for the golden ball award in the 2003 season.Lesage played college soccer
College soccer
College soccer is a term used to describe association football played by teams who are operated by colleges and universities as opposed to a professional league operated for exclusively financial purposes...
with the UQTR Patriotes
UQTR Patriotes
The UQTR Patriotes are the athletic teams that represent the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada. The team name honours the historical Patriotes and their movement that led, during the 19th century, a rebellion for democracy and independence for Quebec .The...
for five years. During his university career his achievements were being a member for the CIS
CIS
CIS usually refers to the Commonwealth of Independent States, a modern political entity consisting of eleven former Soviet Union republics.The acronym CIS may also refer to:-Organizations:...
all-star team for three years. While still playing for the patriotes he played one season with the Toledo Slayers
Toledo Slayers
Toledo Slayers were an American soccer team, founded in 2003. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2005, when they left the league and the franchise was terminated.The Slayers played their home games in...
of the USL Premier Development League
USL Premier Development League
The USL Premier Development League is the amateur league of the United Soccer Leagues in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda, forming part of the American Soccer Pyramid...
in 2004.
On April 23, 2005 he signed a contract with the Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact
Montreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
of the USL First Division
USL First Division
The United Soccer Leagues First Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico....
. He featured, and played in most pre-season matches, but as the season progressed he failed to make a single appearance in an Impact shirt. This led him to go on seasons loan to the Laval Dynamites
Laval Dynamites
Laval Dynamites were a Canadian soccer team, founded in 1997. The men team was a member of the Canadian Professional Soccer League/Canadian Soccer League, the highest professional soccer league in Canada, and played in the National Division. The team played as the Montreal Dynamites in 2001 and...
. He was subsequently released the following season and returned to the LSEQ, this time he signed with the Trois-Rivières Sélect. He continued his fine scoring legacy leading his team in goals, and being named an all-star for the third time in his career, as well as winning his second golden ball award.
Trois-Rivières Attak
After finishing another hugely successful season in the LSEQ, Lesage was signed by the newly expansion franchise Trois-Rivières AttakTrois-Rivières Attak
Trois-Rivières Attak FC is a Canadian soccer team, taking a sabbatical year from the Canadian Soccer League. They formally served as a reserve/academy team for the USL First Division side Montreal Impact until 2010, when Montreal Impact founded their own academy...
for the 2007 CSL season. His signing was announced in a press conference on May 2, 2007. He made his Attak debut in 0–0 tie at Toronto Croatia
Toronto Croatia
C.N.S.C. Toronto Croatia is a Canadian soccer team, founded in 1956. The team is a member of the Canadian Soccer League, the highest level soccer league in Canada, and play in the International Division....
on May 12. He scored his first goal against the Canadian Lions which ended out being the winning goal in 2–1 victory. He soon became an instant impact, forming a strong attacking partnership with Darko Kolic
Darko Kolic
Darko Kolić is a former Serbian footballer.- Career :Kolić started his professional career in Yugoslavia in 1992, first with FK Rad, in the First Division and then FK Hajduk Beograd, in Second Division...
.
He played an influential role for the Attak in the Open Canada Cup
Open Canada Cup
The Open Canada Cup was a Canadian soccer competition, similar in concept to tournaments such as the English FA Cup, the Coppa Italia, and the US Open Cup. The competition was held starting with the CSL's first season in 1998 until 2007....
final against the Columbus Clan F.C., coming on as substitute for Ibrahim Baldeh
Ibrahim Baldeh
Ibrahim Baldeh is a Canadian soccer player.-Playing career:He started amateur soccer with the Montreal-Concordia AAA Soccer Elite Club from U14 to U18. Where he won the bronze medal at the Canada Games in 2005. And the gold medal at the Adidas Cup in the summer of 2005...
in 51 minute, and scoring the first goal of the match in nine minutes. The Attak would end up winning the match 3–0, claiming their first trophy in their debut Open Canada Cup season
2007 Open Canada Cup
The 2007 Open Canada Cup was a Canadian association football cup competition. The eventual winner was Trois-Rivières Attak.-Preliminary Round :GS United 2-1 AEK London...
. Lesage concluded the season as the Attak and CSL leading scorer with 20 goals combined in all competitions.
As the Attak entered the playoffs Lesage scored the first goal in 3–0 victory eliminating defending CSL champions the Italia Shooters
Italia Shooters
York Region Shooters are a Canadian soccer team, founded in 1998. The team is a member of the Canadian Soccer League, the third tier of soccer in the Canadian soccer pyramid and the largest domestic pro league in Canada....
in the quarter-final round.
But their playoff run ended on October 21 against the Serbian White Eagles
Serbian White Eagles
Serbian White Eagles Football Club is a Canadian soccer team. The team is a member of the Canadian Soccer League....
with two first half goals coincided, Lesage scored in the 84 minute to bring life to the Attak, but Serbia hung on and advanced to the final.
On November 4 at CSL Awards Banquet he was awarded the CSL MVP Award
Canadian Soccer League MVP Award
The Canadian Soccer League MVP Award is a football award for Canadian Soccer League in Canada. The award is given to the player deemed the most valuable player in the league in any given season....
, and the CSL Golden Boot
CSL Golden Boot
The Canadian Soccer League Golden Boot is an annual award given to the player who led the league in goals during the regular season, the playoffs, and before 2008 in the Open Canada Cup games. The award has been presented since the 1998 season, when the league debuted as the Canadian Professional...
. To add to his silverware Lesage was also awarded the Trois-Rivières Attak Golden Boot award at the Trois-Rivières Attak annual awards banquet on November 6, 2007.
Lesage extended his contract with the Attak on February 12, 2008. During the 2008 CSL season for the second year in a row he led his team in goals, scoring 8 goals in all competitions. Lesage also helped the Attak claim the National Division title, the club's first Division title. On October 11 he scored the winning goal against St. Catharines Wolves
St. Catharines Wolves
St. Catharines Wolves, also known as St. Catharines Roma Wolves or simply Roma Wolves, are a Canadian soccer team, founded in 1977. The team is a member of the Canadian Soccer League.- History :...
in 2–0 victory in the playoff quarterfinals. In the semi-final match Lesage contributed a goal in the 75' minute in a 7–0 victory over Portugal FC
Portugal FC
SC Toronto is a Canadian soccer team, founded in 2001. The team is a member of the Canadian Soccer League, the third tier of the Canadian soccer pyramid and the largest domestic professional soccer league in Canada...
, and for the first time the Attak advanced into the CSL Cup
Rogers Cup (soccer)
The Canadian Soccer League championship final is the final play-off game of the Canadian Soccer League and its predecessor the Canadian Professional Soccer League...
where they would face White Eagles once again. In the final match Lesage came off the bench to score in the 70' minute and tie the game 1–1, after both teams equalized in extra time the game went into penalties, where the White Eagles won the match 2–1. At the 2008 Trois-Rivières Attak annual awards banquet Lesage was awarded for the second consecutive time the Trois-Rivières Attak Golden Boot award with whom he shared with Pierre-Rudolph Mayard
Pierre-Rudolph Mayard
Pierre-Rudolph Mayard is a Canadian soccer player.-Youth and Amateur:Mayard began his career in 2003, playing with Canadian junior team FC Sélect Rive-Sud. In 2005, he played for the CSR Montréal-Concordia U18 team, winning the silver medal at the Saputo AAA Quebec Cup...
for having scored the most goals over the course of the regular season.
Coaching career
Lesage retired in January 2009 and became the Head Coach for the Sélect Trois-RivièresTrois-Rivières Attak
Trois-Rivières Attak FC is a Canadian soccer team, taking a sabbatical year from the Canadian Soccer League. They formally served as a reserve/academy team for the USL First Division side Montreal Impact until 2010, when Montreal Impact founded their own academy...
of the Association régionale de soccer de la Mauricie (ARSM).
Trois-Rivières Attak
- Open Canada CupOpen Canada CupThe Open Canada Cup was a Canadian soccer competition, similar in concept to tournaments such as the English FA Cup, the Coppa Italia, and the US Open Cup. The competition was held starting with the CSL's first season in 1998 until 2007....
(1): 2006 - Canadian Soccer League National Division Champions (1): 2008
Individual
- Canadina Soccer League MVPCanadian Soccer League MVP AwardThe Canadian Soccer League MVP Award is a football award for Canadian Soccer League in Canada. The award is given to the player deemed the most valuable player in the league in any given season....
: 2006 - Canadian Soccer League Golden BootCSL Golden BootThe Canadian Soccer League Golden Boot is an annual award given to the player who led the league in goals during the regular season, the playoffs, and before 2008 in the Open Canada Cup games. The award has been presented since the 1998 season, when the league debuted as the Canadian Professional...
: 2006
Career stats
| Team | Season | League | Domestic League |
Domestic Playoffs |
Domestic Cup1 |
Concacaf Competition2 |
Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | Apps | Goals | Assists | |||
| Trois-Rivières Attak Trois-Rivières Attak Trois-Rivières Attak FC is a Canadian soccer team, taking a sabbatical year from the Canadian Soccer League. They formally served as a reserve/academy team for the USL First Division side Montreal Impact until 2010, when Montreal Impact founded their own academy... |
2007 | CSL Canadian Soccer League The Canadian Soccer League is the top soccer league in Canada and is controlled by the Canadian Soccer Association. It was formerly known as the Canadian Professional Soccer League , and was officially re-branded on May 17, 2006... |
22 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | - | - | - | 28 | 20 | 0 |
| 2008 | CSL Canadian Soccer League The Canadian Soccer League is the top soccer league in Canada and is controlled by the Canadian Soccer Association. It was formerly known as the Canadian Professional Soccer League , and was officially re-branded on May 17, 2006... |
21 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 24 | 11 | 1 | |
| Total CSL Canadian Soccer League The Canadian Soccer League is the top soccer league in Canada and is controlled by the Canadian Soccer Association. It was formerly known as the Canadian Professional Soccer League , and was officially re-branded on May 17, 2006... | 43 | 24 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | - | - | - | 52 | 31 | 1 | ||