FC Supra, the all-Quebec expansion team set to debut in the Canadian Premier League this season, has significantly bolstered its coaching staff with a high-profile addition. The franchise announced this week that former Belgian defender Laurent Ciman, a standout during his time with the Montreal Impact in Major League Soccer, will serve as an assistant coach for the inaugural campaign.
A Decorated Career Transitioning to Coaching
Laurent Ciman, now 40 years old, enjoyed a distinguished playing career that included two highly successful seasons with the Montreal Impact from 2015. During both of those MLS campaigns, he was selected as an MLS All-Star. His performance in one of those seasons was so exceptional that he earned the prestigious MLS Defender of the Year award, cementing his status as one of the league's top defensive talents.
Deep Personal and Professional Ties to Montreal
In a statement released by FC Supra, Ciman expressed his profound attachment to the city of Montreal and his enthusiasm for this new venture. "I am attached to Montreal. It's a city that means a great deal to me," Ciman said. "This project is incredibly exciting. I truly believe there is more than enough talent in Quebec to build a highly competitive side, and I want to be part of creating something meaningful here from the ground up."
Ciman's connection to Montreal extends far beyond the soccer pitch. He originally moved to the city in 2015 because it offered a superior support system for his daughter, Nina, who is on the autism spectrum, compared to what was available in his native Belgium. Remarkably, his family chose to remain in Montreal even after he departed the Impact to play for other MLS clubs. Following his retirement from professional play, Ciman returned to the Montreal soccer scene, serving as an assistant coach with CF Montréal until 2024.
Integrating into a New Team Structure
Ciman will join the rest of FC Supra's technical staff, working under the guidance of head coach Nicholas Razzaghi. The team is preparing for its historic first season, which is scheduled to kick off on April 11. This coaching appointment adds another layer of experience and local soccer knowledge to the fledgling franchise.
Forging Links with Montreal's Soccer Legacy
FC Supra is establishing several meaningful connections with Montreal's MLS history. The team's president, Rocco Placentino, and special adviser Nick De Santis are both former players for the Montreal Impact. Furthermore, the FC Supra roster features several players who are alumni of the Impact/CF Montréal Academy, including Alessandro Biello (son of Impact legend Mauro Biello), David Choinière, and Sean Rea. These ties create a strong bridge between the established MLS club and the new CPL entrant.
The team will play its home matches at Stade Boréale in Laval, although its first two home games will be held at the Université de Montréal. FC Supra's official home opener is set for April 19 at Université de Montréal's Stade CEPSUM. In a unique commitment to local talent, the team's ownership has pledged to field a roster composed exclusively of players from Quebec, a group that includes some individuals who were not born in Canada but have developed their skills within the province's soccer system.
This strategic hire of Laurent Ciman signals FC Supra's ambition to build a competitive and culturally resonant team from its very foundation, leveraging deep local roots and proven professional expertise.
