Pinto began his professional career in 2000, with the Montreal Impact in the USL A-League. He was one of the several new signings conducted by new Montreal head coach Zoran Jankovic.[1] During his tenure with Montreal he mostly served as a backup goalkeeper, and appeared in two matches. On May 16, 2001, he was signed by newly expansion franchise Montreal Dynamites of the Canadian Professional Soccer League.[2] He helped Montreal finish fourth in the overall standings, thus qualifying for the playoffs. In the playoffs the Dynamites faced St. Catharines Wolves, but were defeated by a score of 2–1. Pinto returned to the organization for the 2002 season.[3] Montreal would finish second in the Eastern Conference and secure a postseason berth. The club was eliminated early on in a wildcard match against the Metro Lions in a 3–1 defeat.
In 2004, the Dynamites took a sabbatical for the 2004 season, which resulted in Pinto re-signing with the organization for the 2005 season. The Laval franchise finished third in the Eastern Conference, and reached the quarterfinals.