Soccer in Canada | Canada Hosting the 2026 World Cup

[elly63]

Originally Posted by JHikka

Makes a bit more sense than the assumption most people had during the game which was that the manager had lined up Beckie for the PS over Sinclair. Good on Sinclair for being open to the idea but I think if you've scored as many goals as she has she should be the one stepping up to take it in the R16 of a World Cup. Oh well

Sinclair explains why she offered PK to Beckie: 'That kid is fearless'

Following Canada's defeat to Sweden, Christine Sinclair spoke to TSN's Laura Diakun and shed some light on why she gave the penalty shot to Janine Beckie, shared what she said to her after the game and spoke about her future beyond the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Beckie on penalty kick: 'Christine actually asked me if I wanted to take it'

Janine Beckie spoke with TSN's Laura Diakun following Canada's Round of 16 defeat against Sweden and explained what her thoughts were on her penalty kick that was saved and how Christine Sinclair was the one who offered her the opportunity to take the shot.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by JHikka

I'm a bit nervous about it. Haiti have quick forwards that can exploit our weaker defenders. Hopefully our attack can do enough to build a lead. Costa Rica didn't look overly strong in the game I saw so we'll see...

Herdman: We had our minds on Costa Rica, bit of a shock we'll be playing Haiti

John Herdman looks ahead to Canada's Gold Cup quarter-final matchup against Haiti and discusses the adjustments Team Canada will have to make against the athletic and physical Haitians.

[blueandgoldguy]

Calgary claims the first half title. It's clear they are a step above every other team. Almost seems like the Stamps of the CPL.

Valour FC are hot garbage. Five losses in a row and they haven't scored one goal in almost half their matches. It's obvious just from watching parts of games and the highlights, that the Valour players lack creativity to create quality scoring chances and they have zero finish whenever a rare opportunity presents itself.

As one of the founding teams with some of the best crowds and presumably higher revenues, it's inexcusable they should be this bad. If more of the same continues in the second half of the season, there needs to be big changes for the following season.

There already appears to be trouble spots in York and Edmonton, both of which are drawing flies. I watch the highlights for all the games and I have never seen more than a few hundred in the crowd at a York or Edmonton home game. The league may claim that all the teams are in it for the long haul but if crowds continue to be poor in those two places, the owners patience for losses will be finite.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by blueandgoldguy

There already appears to be trouble spots in York and Edmonton, both of which are drawing flies. I watch the highlights for all the games and I have never seen more than a few hundred in the crowd at a York or Edmonton home game. The league may claim that all the teams are in it for the long haul but if crowds continue to be poor in those two places, the owners patience for losses will be finite.

Edmonton is drawing more than they did in their NASL days with literally half the expenses. They'll be fine.

York is the only concerning team at this point and even then it's early days. They're going head-to-head against TFC in a crowded sports market. The owners knew before signing onto the league that the first few seasons were going to be loss-heavy.

There's a CPL thread which would be better suited for this.

[elly63]

Coming up

The Canada-Haiti match kicks off at 6:30 pm Eastern and will be broadcast live across Canada on TSN4 and RDS.

'It's do or die': Canada embracing pressure of quarter-final clash vs. Haiti

Ahead of tonight's win-or-go home quarter-final against Haiti, Canada is finished its final preparations and is excited to play in the pressure-packed knockout round stage at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Introducing Jonathan David

Canada waited a long time for a standout talent like Alphonso Davies but now they might have two stars on their hands. Kristian Jack takes a closer look at Jonathan David, the 19-year old who just continues to score.

[elly63]

Canada starting what looks like its best lineup vs Haiti. No excuses now.

[elly63]

What can you say, Haiti off to a good start and look like a good team that showed beating Costa Rica was no fluke, and then out of the blue, flash, guess who, Davies to David and it's in the net.

Canada 1 Haiti 0 17 minutes

Jonathan David has 10 goals in 8 games for Canada and has scored in every game he's played for the Leaf. He leads the Gold Cup in scoring and has tied the all time Canadian Gold Cup record with 6.

Davies hit crossbar with brilliant free kick at 24 min.

Canada turning the tide now getting good chances

Canada 2 - Haiti 0 Haltime

Canada's 1-2 scoring punch Davies and Cavallini back again today. Cavallini scores on breakaway from great pass from Arfield, number 5 in this Gold Cup for Cav.

Haiti dominated the first 16 minutes, Canada scored, settled down and then took control. A little concerning that Haiti seems to be winning many of the one on one battles but Canada's team play is winning the balance.

[Acajack]

Yeah Jonathan David, from the Ottawa suburb of Orléans. His parents are Haitian, actually.

[elly63]

Big screwup between Godinho and Borjan allows Haiti to score and gain some momentum

Canada 2 - Haiti 1

Canada having problems Haiti scores on penalty kick

Canada 2 - Haiti 2

Canada 2 - Haiti 3 75 minutes

Haiti nice play in box completes the comeback

Tragedy, Atiba scores but called back offside, Haiti now in cheating time wasting mode

The story of this game, Canada implodes and blows it. but Haiti deserved the win by taking advantage of it.

[elly63]

That is why diehard Canadian soccer fans will never prognosticate a game, you have been kicked in the nads so many times you know better. You know that anyone who would say we should be able to or will beat a team is a newbie who hasn't felt the pain

[blueandgoldguy]

Wow! Losing like that to Haiti, a soccer minnow.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by blueandgoldguy

Wow! Losing like that to Haiti, a soccer minnow.

You can't say that, they're a good team, they took out Costa Rica and they took advantage of our implosion and took us out too.

We should have won this game because of the game not because they are Haiti. A minnow is a non competitive team, they were anything but that.

[blueandgoldguy]

Originally Posted by elly63

You can't say that, they're a good team, they took out Costa Rica and they took advantage of our implosion and took us out too.

We should have won this game because of the game not because they are Haiti. A minnow is a non competitive team, they were anything but that.

They are a minnow as far as I am concerned. Ranked outside the top-100 by fifa. Until Canada starts to win more meaningful games, all this talk of improvement is just that. I seem to remember the discussion on here about how Canada's men team had improved for the 2018 World Cup qualifications and lo and behold, they were knocked out by Honduras in 2016, just as they were in 2012. Both times they did not even make it to the final round of qualifying.

Until Canada starts showing tangible improvements in tournaments like the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying all this talk of improvement in just that, talk.

[esquire]

It never seems to change. I remember when Canada won the Gold Cup in 2000, it was regarded as the dawn of a new era. Since then it's just been 20 years of spinning our wheels.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by esquire

It never seems to change. I remember when Canada won the Gold Cup in 2000, it was regarded as the dawn of a new era. Since then it's just been 20 years of spinning our wheels.

No, they're on the right track now. Canada is finally producing offensive minded quality players, I outta know, I've been following (and suffering) since the mid 70s. Unfortunately our historical bread and butter, tenacious defenders are in short supply these days and it's been shown. There was a terrible time, largely thanks to one guy who could have changed the narrative, when players with options didn't want to play for Canada. That is thankfully no longer the case thanks to yet again, one guy.

Despite what the poster above said Haiti was a good team and we lost in a terrible way but I think we are now at the point of no return. Just like basketball we are starting to get a core of quality players. I don't want to use the term world class because you save that for the very special but we have, and are developing players now, who are able to play with some big time clubs. We haven't seen that in a long time.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by esquire

It never seems to change. I remember when Canada won the Gold Cup in 2000, it was regarded as the dawn of a new era. Since then it's just been 20 years of spinning our wheels.

Eh, this team has made serious strides in the past decade. We're just missing a steady defender.

I expect Canada to do well in Nations League this fall against Cuba and the US. We already know we can push Cuba around.

[elly63]

The five best Canadians currently playing in MLS
Kristian Jack tsn.ca July 29 2019

Ahead of the 2019 Major League Soccer All-Star Game this Wednesday, TSN Soccer Analyst Kristian Jack makes his picks for the five best Canadian players in the league from the first half of the season.

5. Maxime Crepeau, Goalkeeper, Vancouver Whitecaps

Crepeau who has become one of the most valuable members of their Whitecaps in his first year out west. The netminder was originally signed from Montreal as a backup to Zac MacMath but immediately showed the Whitecaps and their fans that he can be their No. 1, arriving full of confidence following a year on loan in the USL with Ottawa Fury. The 25-year-old made headlines and highlight shows with his remarkable triple save against Atlanta United, but this has not just been a season of moments for Crepeau. He has built a tremendous body of work improving in all areas of his game, including his distribution. All he needed was a chance and now he is showing he can do more than just compete for a place at this level.

4. Jonathan Osorio, Midfielder, Toronto FC

The 27-year-old has yet to hit top gear in 2019, a season where he was asked to play multiple positions and start vital games for Canada at the Gold Cup before battling illness when he returned to his club. When he’s played in a midfield three for club and country it is clear to see why he is maybe the most talented Canadian in all of MLS, showing calmness in possession, terrific awareness of space and providing a real tactical balance to a squad with and without the ball. The more minutes he gets to play with Alejandro Pozuelo, the better he will be. Osorio will be keen to nurture that relationship and add more goals for Toronto FC in the second half.

3. Samuel Piette, Midfielder, Montreal Impact

The 24-year-old Quebec native brings remarkable steadiness to a squad in desperate need of it, consistently being one of the best at interceptions in MLS. Piette revels in stepping up at crucial times against opponents who often get thwarted during an attacking transition when targeting Montreal at their most vulnerable stage. Impact boss Remi Garde’s appreciation for Piette grows by the game, and much like national team head coach John Herdman, is finding it very difficult to find a similar profile of a player to replace Piette when he isn’t on the pitch.

2. Doneil Henry, Defender, Vancouver Whitecaps

The centre back is having his best professional season despite it proving to be a difficult one for his club. The 26-year-old has battled numerous injuries in his career, but started the year in terrific shape and immediately established an excellent relationship in the heart of the defence with Erik Godoy. This allowed Henry to blossom into a terrific on-field leader, starting the first 13 games and allowing just 16 goals against, boosting his confidence to a level where he dominated some opponents reading the game supremely well and using his size to win crucial aerial duels. Henry is now without question one of the best bargains amongst defenders in the league at his current cap hit of around $200,000 and looks to be playing his way to a more lucrative contract.

1. Mark-Anthony Kaye, Midfielder, Los Angeles FC

Kaye is a Major League Soccer all-star and one of the most valuable members of unquestionably the best team in MLS right now in LAFC. Bob Bradley’s side are playing at a pace and level few have ever seen before in MLS. While MVP favourite Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi get the headlines for their goals, Kaye - alongside the brilliant Eduard Atuesta - has received much-deserved accolades for playing a vital role inside the most complete midfield in the league. Kaye brings balance with his left foot, tenacity, skill, intelligence and true competitiveness that has given LAFC weapons that have proved too much for many teams in the league. The 2018 season ended early for Kaye through injury but 2019 looks to be making up for it with many predicting he and his side will be lifting MLS Cup come November.

[megadude]

Had never heard of that top guy before. Good for him.

And Davies scored for Bayern today. And had a heck of a game a couple weeks back. He's fitting in just fine over there in Bavaria.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by megadude

Had never heard of that top guy before

They are all National Team members.

[elly63]

Canada Soccer announces squad for important September home and away matches
Men's National Team canadasoccer.com August 28 2019

Canada Soccer have announced their player squad for an important two-match, home-and-away series in 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League against Caribbean rivals Cuba. Canada will open the series at home on Saturday 7 September in Toronto before playing away on Tuesday 10 September in George Town, Grand Cayman.

The Toronto match will provide Canadian fans the opportunity to welcome home their favourite players, notably a new generation of young players that has Canada scoring at an impressive rate. The opening Canada-Cuba match will kick off at 20.00 local at BMO Field in downtown Toronto, with fans encouraged to cheer on their red and white in a must-win match. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.ca starting as low as $20. A special ‘Me+3’ ticket offer is available for this match. By purchasing three tickets in Price Category 2, fans will receive the fourth one free. Fans can visit canadasoccer.com/tickets for complete ticket information.

“It’s great to be back in Toronto because for many of these players it’s their hometown and an opportunity to show their best in the red shirt,” said John Herdman, Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Head Coach. “This squad of players are hungry for success and want to qualify for the Concacaf Nations League Final Four Tournament in June. We’ve put down some strong roots over the last 18 months in our cultural and tactical approaches and we will be doing everything in this series of games to take our country to the next level."

The two September matches are part of a four-match series that will include a home match against USA on Tuesday 15 October and an away match against USA on Friday 15 November. From the three-nation group, only the winner will advance to League A’s final four playoff in June 2020.

Canada most recently faced Cuba at the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup, with Canada reaching the Quarter-finals in back-to-back tournaments for the first time since 2009. Canada won their group finale in record-breaking fashion, with Lucas Cavallini and Jonathan David each scoring a hat trick in the 7:0 win over Cuba.

The dynamic duo, both part of the September squad for Concacaf Nations League against Cuba, have both tied the national record for Canada goals in a season. One more goal from either striker will set a new benchmark for Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team. Both September matches will be broadcast live on OneSoccer.ca.

“This match will be different as we expect to face a tougher, more unified Cuban team than we did at the Concacaf Gold Cup,” said Herdman. “There’s a new technical leader and a new vision for the team, so our team will have to be ready for what they bring but at the same time we have to enjoy these moments of playing at home and focus on unleashing the talent we have in this squad.”

CANADA’S NEW GENERATION OF HEROES

Joining Cavallini and David on the attack for this camp are veterans Junior Hoilett and Tesho Akindele as well as youngsters Alphonso Davies and Cyle Larin. Cavallini and David have co-led Canada with seven goals each this year while David, Davies and Hoilett have co-led Canada with three assists each across five international matches.

Teenagers David and Davies are the two youngest players in the squad while Larin is one of 12 players aged 24 or younger. Akindele, meanwhile, is one of six players who earns his first Men’s National Team call up in 2019 along with midfielder David Wotherspoon, fullbacks Juan Córdova and Richie Laryea, centre back Steven Vitória, and goalkeeper Marco Carducci.

Along with Wotherspoon, Canada’s midfield for the September camp will feature veterans Will Johnson, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Jonathan Osorio, Samuel Piette, Russell Teibert, and youngster Liam Fraser. Kaye, still only 24 years old, was Canada Soccer’s Player of the Month in July after another strong month with Major League Soccer lead-leading Los Angeles FC.

Supporting Canada’s back five, coach Herdman has also called in centre backs Derek Cornelius, Doneil Henry and Adam Straith as well as fullbacks Samuel Adekugbe and Kamal Miller. In goal, Canada has also called in Milan Borjan and Maxime Crépeau. Borjan is the most experienced player in the squad with 45 international appearances and he ranks tied for second all-time with 18 clean sheets (four behind record holder Pat Onstad).

While Borjan, Johnson, Piette and Straith have all made more than 40 international appearances, Carducci, Fraser and first-time call-up Laryea have all yet to make their Canada debuts. Crépeau, Miller, Vitória and Wotherspoon, meanwhile, are hoping to make their first home appearances on the international stage this Saturday 7 September in Toronto.

“The opportunity to play at home is always an honour and a privilege,” said Herdman. “Our boys have been dying for these moments, so we are excited to get back and start showing Canadians our quality.”

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team is unbeaten at BMO Field since 2011 with nine wins and five draws in 14 international matches. Just last year, Canada won 5:0 over Dominica in Concacaf Nations League Qualifying with goals scored by Cavallini, David, Hoilett and Larin (along with a Dominica own goal). All-time, other players with Canada goals at BMO Field are Akindele, Johnson and Osorio.

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS

Canada are two-time Concacaf champions, having won the Concacaf Championship in 1985 and the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2000. In winning the 1985 Concacaf Championship, Canada qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™; in winning the 2000 Concacaf Gold Cup, Canada qualified for the FIFA Confederations Cup Korea/Japan 2001.

MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM

Canada Soccer's Men's National Youth Teams, meanwhile, have won two Concacaf titles: both the 1986 and 1996 Concacaf Men's Youth Championships. Canada have qualified for eight editions of the FIFA U-20 World Cup and seven editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE

Through Concacaf Nations League, Canada will host USA in a competitive match in Canada for the first time since 1997. The two sides have since faced each other four times in the Concacaf Gold Cup including the 2007 semi-finals. In 2012 and 2013, the two sides played to 0:0 draws in each nation’s respective centennial match.

TICKETS

Tickets to the Canada-USA match are available via Ticketmaster.ca starting as low as $25. A special ‘Me+3’ ticket offer is available for this match. By purchasing three tickets in Price Category 2, fans will receive the fourth one free. Fans can visit canadasoccer.com/tickets for complete ticket information.

CANADA SQUAD

GK- Milan Borjan | SRB / FK Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade)
GK- Marco Carducci | CAN / Cavalry FC (Calgary)
GK- Maxime Crépeau | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
CB- Derek Cornelius | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
CB- Doneil Henry | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
CB- Adam Straith | GER / FC Hansa Rostock
CB- Steven Vitória | POR / Moreirense FC
FB- Samuel Adekugbe | NOR / Vålerenga Fotball
FB- Juan Córdova | CHI / CD Huachipato
FB- Richie Laryea | CAN / Toronto FC
FB- Kamal Miller | USA / Orlando City SC
M- Liam Fraser | CAN / Toronto FC
M- Will Johnson | USA / Orlando City SC
M- Mark-Anthony Kaye | USA / Los Angeles FC
M- Jonathan Osorio | CAN / Toronto FC
M- Samuel Piette | CAN / Impact de Montréal
M- Russell Teibert | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
M- David Wotherspoon | SCO / St. Johnstone FC
F- Tesho Akindele | USA / Orlando City SC
F- Lucas Cavallini | MEX / Puebla FC
F- Jonathan David | BEL / KAA Gent
F- Alphonso Davies | GER / FC Bayern München
F- David Junior Hoilett | WAL / Cardiff City FC
F- Cyle Larin | BEL / SV Zulte Waregem