Soccer in Canada | Canada Hosting the 2026 World Cup

[Tg11]

Tomorrow is when we announce our squads for the Aruba and Suriname matches for World Cup qualifying

[elly63]

Edmonton forward Gloire Amanda on verge of joining select soccer company
Neil Davidson The Canadian Press May 26, 2021

...

The five-foot-10 170-pounder spent time in the Vancouver Whitecaps residency program prior to attending Oregon State. Growing up, he played for Edmonton Xtreme FC, Edmonton Internazionale and FC Edmonton’s reserve side.

[elly63]

Canada announces squad for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers in June
Canada will face Aruba on Saturday 5 June and Suriname on Tuesday 8 June
Canadian Soccer Association May 29, 2021

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team have announced their squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup™ Qualifiers as Canada continues to build momentum towards Qatar 2022. The Canada squad will meet in Florida for their penultimate First Round match against Aruba on Saturday 5 June and then travel to Chicago for their decisive Group B match against Suriname on Tuesday 8 June.

Only the group winner will advance beyond the First Round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers, with the Group B winner to face the Group E winner in a Second Round, a head-to-head series on 12 and 15 June that will start in either Belize, Haiti or Nicaragua. The winner from that Second Round then advances to the Concacaf Final Round of eight nations scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2021.

“It’s great to be back together and continue to build on our momentum as every match counts on the road to Qatar 2022,” said John Herdman, Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Head Coach. “We have an opportunity to build on our solid start, after we put ourselves in a good position with goals difference in the first two matches so that we can control our destiny in the games to come.”

Canada’s international matches in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers will all be broadcast live on OneSoccer with the Saturday Aruba-Canada match scheduled to kick off at 20.00 ET / 17.00 PT and the Tuesday Canada-Suriname match scheduled for 21.00 ET / 18.00 PT (20.00 local in Bridgeview, Illinois). Canada’s home match on 8 June at SeatGeek Stadium will be played in a closed-door environment. Fans will find extended coverage across Canada Soccer’s digital channels on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube featuring the hashtag #CANMNT.

“We had hoped to play our home match with Canadian fans providing the support and momentum to play a tough nation like Suriname in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers,” said Herdman. “The reality of the global pandemic and the priority to keep our communities in Canada safe means the match will be played at a neutral site in Chicago, but we will embrace that challenge. Whatever comes at us, we will take it on and do whatever we need to do to advance to the next round.”

Canada opened their Group B schedule with back-to-back wins in March, starting with the 5:1 victory over Bermuda on 25 March and then the record-setting 11:0 win over Cayman Islands on 29 March. As each Group B nation faces each other only once, goals difference could be the deciding statistic that qualifies a nation for the next round. Canada and Suriname are currently the top-two teams in Group B with perfect six points from their two wins in March, with Canada on +15 goals difference compared to Suriname on +9 goals difference. Bermuda are next with three points (+1 goals) while Aruba and Cayman Islands were both eliminated after back-to-back losses in March. Suriname, who have drawn on new Dutch-born recruits from leagues in Europe, will face Bermuda on 4 June in a home match in Paramaribo, Suriname.

In all, 30 Concacaf nations are competing in this first round with six group winners advancing to a second round of head-to-head knockout matches. FIFA have established Canada’s pathway for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers beginning with an initial round of four matches against Group B opponents Aruba, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Suriname.

“We’ve created something here, a brotherhood based on a shared purpose to qualify this team to the FIFA World Cup,” said Herdman. “They care about each other and that’s the first thing. They care about taking this team to the FIFA World Cup and you saw it in March when they had a chance to be back together and build on that spirit in the Canada shirt.”

CANADA SQUAD

The Canada squad features a mix of youth and experience from players in Europe, Asia and North America, with notably several players winning league titles, domestic cups and qualification to continental club football in the recent 2020-21 European season. Goalkeeper Milan Borjan won his first double with Red Star Belgrade (SuperLiga and Serbian Cup), midfielder David Wotherspoon helped St. Johnstone to a historic double in Scotland (Scottish Cup and League Cup), and forward Cyle Larin won his first double with Beşiktaş JK (Süper Lig & Turkish Cup). Midfielder Stephen Eustáquio, meanwhile, helped FC Paços de Ferreira return to continental football with qualification to UEFA Europa Conference League.

From Europe’s top-5 leagues, both Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies won titles in 2020-21. David, whose 13 goals set a record for a Canadian in a top-5 league, led Lille OSC to the Ligue 1 title in France. Davies, who already has nine club trophies to his credit in three seasons, again helped FC Bayern Munich win the 2020-21 Bundesliga title. David and Davies are two of the youngest players in the squad, with only Theo Corbeanu younger at age 19. Corbeanu, who made his Canada debut in March, recently made his debut with Wolverhampton in the Premier League.

Corbeanu is one of seven players who have featured in two or less international “A” appearances for Canada. Other young players are Alistair Johnston of Nashville SC, Frank Sturing of FC Den Bosch (Netherlands), and potential debutants Tajon Buchanan of New England Revolution, Scott Kennedy of SSV Jahn Regensburg (Germany), James Pantemis of CF Montréal and Dayne St. Clair of Minnesota United FC.

As for added experience for the upcoming window, the Canada squad also features Sam Adekugbe of Vålerenga, Doneil Henry of Suwon Samsung Bluewings, Junior Hoilett recently from Cardiff City FC, Liam Millar who was on loan with Charlton Athletic, and Steven Vitória from Moreirense FC. Players from clubs in Major League Soccer are Lucas Cavallini from Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Liam Fraser on loan to Columbus Crew SC, Mark-Anthony Kaye from Los Angeles FC, Richie Laryea and Jonathan Osorio from Toronto FC, and Samuel Piette from CF Montréal.

In terms of Canada’s most experienced players in the squad, Borjan and Piette both recently made their 50th international “A” appearances in March. Both of them are taking part in their third cycle of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on the road to Qatar 2022.

CANADA SOCCER’S MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team, two-time Concacaf champions, were one of only four nations that have finished top-six across all three of Concacaf major tournaments across the past three years: fifth place in Concacaf Nations League A and sixth place at both the 2017 and 2019 Concacaf Gold Cups. In 2019 against Concacaf’s top three nations, Canada earned a victory against USA in Concacaf Nations League as well as eliminated both Mexico (U-15) and Costa Rica (U-17) in Concacaf youth competitions.

It will be an exciting yet busy summer of soccer for Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Program in 2021. On the heels of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers in June, Canada will participate in the 30th anniversary edition of the Concacaf Gold Cup, with their Group B matches scheduled in Kansas City on 11 July against Martinique, 15 July against a yet-to-be-determined Caribbean nation from the preliminary round, and 18 July against USA. The top-two nations from Group B advance to the final round with the Quarterfinals on 24 July, the Semifinals on 29 July, and the Final on 1 August.

FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022™ QUALIFIERS

Concacaf have established Canada’s pathway for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers beginning with a First Round being played amongst the Concacaf Member Associations ranked 6-35 based on the FIFA Men’s Ranking as of 16 July 2020. From the first round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers, the Group B winner will face the Group E winner in a second-round, head-to-head series. The winner from that second round then advances to the Concacaf Final Round of eight nations in which each nation will play each opponent twice (once at home and once on the road).

CANADA
GK- Milan Borjan | SRB / FK Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade)
GK- James Pantemis | CAN / CF Montréal
GK- Dayne St. Clair | USA / Minnesota United FC
Samuel Adekugbe | NOR / Vålerenga Fotball
Tajon Buchanan | USA / New England Revolution
Lucas Cavallini | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Theo Corbeanu | ENG / Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Jonathan David | FRA / Lille OSC
Alphonso Davies | GER / FC Bayern München
Stephen Eustáquio | POR / FC Paços de Ferreira
Liam Fraser | USA / Columbus Crew SC
Doneil Henry | KOR / Suwon Samsung Bluewings
David Junior Hoilett | WAL / Cardiff City FC
Alistair Johnston | USA / Nashville SC
Mark-Anthony Kaye | USA / Los Angeles FC
Scott Kennedy | GER / SSV Jahn Regensburg
Cyle Larin | TUR / Beşiktaş JK
Richie Laryea | CAN / Toronto FC
Liam Millar | ENG / Liverpool FC
Jonathan Osorio | CAN / Toronto FC
Samuel Piette | CAN / CF Montréal
Frank Sturing | NED / FC Den Bosch
Steven Vitória | POR / Moreirense FC
David Wotherspoon | SCO / St. Johnstone FC

[elly63]

So who's missing:
Atiba (possibly injured, but allowed to call his shot)
Arfield (Likely may have played last game for the Leaf)
Crepeau (Baby on the way)
Gutierrez (Injured)

Pretty much everybody who should be there has been called

• Video Link

[Tg11]

Originally Posted by elly63

Canada announces squad for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers in June
Canada will face Aruba on Saturday 5 June and Suriname on Tuesday 8 June
Canadian Soccer Association May 29, 2021

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team have announced their squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup™ Qualifiers as Canada continues to build momentum towards Qatar 2022. The Canada squad will meet in Florida for their penultimate First Round match against Aruba on Saturday 5 June and then travel to Chicago for their decisive Group B match against Suriname on Tuesday 8 June.

Only the group winner will advance beyond the First Round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers, with the Group B winner to face the Group E winner in a Second Round, a head-to-head series on 12 and 15 June that will start in either Belize, Haiti or Nicaragua. The winner from that Second Round then advances to the Concacaf Final Round of eight nations scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2021.

“It’s great to be back together and continue to build on our momentum as every match counts on the road to Qatar 2022,” said John Herdman, Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Head Coach. “We have an opportunity to build on our solid start, after we put ourselves in a good position with goals difference in the first two matches so that we can control our destiny in the games to come.”

Canada’s international matches in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers will all be broadcast live on OneSoccer with the Saturday Aruba-Canada match scheduled to kick off at 20.00 ET / 17.00 PT and the Tuesday Canada-Suriname match scheduled for 21.00 ET / 18.00 PT (20.00 local in Bridgeview, Illinois). Canada’s home match on 8 June at SeatGeek Stadium will be played in a closed-door environment. Fans will find extended coverage across Canada Soccer’s digital channels on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube featuring the hashtag #CANMNT.

“We had hoped to play our home match with Canadian fans providing the support and momentum to play a tough nation like Suriname in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers,” said Herdman. “The reality of the global pandemic and the priority to keep our communities in Canada safe means the match will be played at a neutral site in Chicago, but we will embrace that challenge. Whatever comes at us, we will take it on and do whatever we need to do to advance to the next round.”

Canada opened their Group B schedule with back-to-back wins in March, starting with the 5:1 victory over Bermuda on 25 March and then the record-setting 11:0 win over Cayman Islands on 29 March. As each Group B nation faces each other only once, goals difference could be the deciding statistic that qualifies a nation for the next round. Canada and Suriname are currently the top-two teams in Group B with perfect six points from their two wins in March, with Canada on +15 goals difference compared to Suriname on +9 goals difference. Bermuda are next with three points (+1 goals) while Aruba and Cayman Islands were both eliminated after back-to-back losses in March. Suriname, who have drawn on new Dutch-born recruits from leagues in Europe, will face Bermuda on 4 June in a home match in Paramaribo, Suriname.

In all, 30 Concacaf nations are competing in this first round with six group winners advancing to a second round of head-to-head knockout matches. FIFA have established Canada’s pathway for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers beginning with an initial round of four matches against Group B opponents Aruba, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Suriname.

“We’ve created something here, a brotherhood based on a shared purpose to qualify this team to the FIFA World Cup,” said Herdman. “They care about each other and that’s the first thing. They care about taking this team to the FIFA World Cup and you saw it in March when they had a chance to be back together and build on that spirit in the Canada shirt.”

CANADA SQUAD

The Canada squad features a mix of youth and experience from players in Europe, Asia and North America, with notably several players winning league titles, domestic cups and qualification to continental club football in the recent 2020-21 European season. Goalkeeper Milan Borjan won his first double with Red Star Belgrade (SuperLiga and Serbian Cup), midfielder David Wotherspoon helped St. Johnstone to a historic double in Scotland (Scottish Cup and League Cup), and forward Cyle Larin won his first double with Beşiktaş JK (Süper Lig & Turkish Cup). Midfielder Stephen Eustáquio, meanwhile, helped FC Paços de Ferreira return to continental football with qualification to UEFA Europa Conference League.

From Europe’s top-5 leagues, both Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies won titles in 2020-21. David, whose 13 goals set a record for a Canadian in a top-5 league, led Lille OSC to the Ligue 1 title in France. Davies, who already has nine club trophies to his credit in three seasons, again helped FC Bayern Munich win the 2020-21 Bundesliga title. David and Davies are two of the youngest players in the squad, with only Theo Corbeanu younger at age 19. Corbeanu, who made his Canada debut in March, recently made his debut with Wolverhampton in the Premier League.

Corbeanu is one of seven players who have featured in two or less international “A” appearances for Canada. Other young players are Alistair Johnston of Nashville SC, Frank Sturing of FC Den Bosch (Netherlands), and potential debutants Tajon Buchanan of New England Revolution, Scott Kennedy of SSV Jahn Regensburg (Germany), James Pantemis of CF Montréal and Dayne St. Clair of Minnesota United FC.

As for added experience for the upcoming window, the Canada squad also features Sam Adekugbe of Vålerenga, Doneil Henry of Suwon Samsung Bluewings, Junior Hoilett recently from Cardiff City FC, Liam Millar who was on loan with Charlton Athletic, and Steven Vitória from Moreirense FC. Players from clubs in Major League Soccer are Lucas Cavallini from Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Liam Fraser on loan to Columbus Crew SC, Mark-Anthony Kaye from Los Angeles FC, Richie Laryea and Jonathan Osorio from Toronto FC, and Samuel Piette from CF Montréal.

In terms of Canada’s most experienced players in the squad, Borjan and Piette both recently made their 50th international “A” appearances in March. Both of them are taking part in their third cycle of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on the road to Qatar 2022.

CANADA SOCCER’S MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM PROGRAM

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team, two-time Concacaf champions, were one of only four nations that have finished top-six across all three of Concacaf major tournaments across the past three years: fifth place in Concacaf Nations League A and sixth place at both the 2017 and 2019 Concacaf Gold Cups. In 2019 against Concacaf’s top three nations, Canada earned a victory against USA in Concacaf Nations League as well as eliminated both Mexico (U-15) and Costa Rica (U-17) in Concacaf youth competitions.

It will be an exciting yet busy summer of soccer for Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Program in 2021. On the heels of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers in June, Canada will participate in the 30th anniversary edition of the Concacaf Gold Cup, with their Group B matches scheduled in Kansas City on 11 July against Martinique, 15 July against a yet-to-be-determined Caribbean nation from the preliminary round, and 18 July against USA. The top-two nations from Group B advance to the final round with the Quarterfinals on 24 July, the Semifinals on 29 July, and the Final on 1 August.

FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022™ QUALIFIERS

Concacaf have established Canada’s pathway for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers beginning with a First Round being played amongst the Concacaf Member Associations ranked 6-35 based on the FIFA Men’s Ranking as of 16 July 2020. From the first round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers, the Group B winner will face the Group E winner in a second-round, head-to-head series. The winner from that second round then advances to the Concacaf Final Round of eight nations in which each nation will play each opponent twice (once at home and once on the road).

CANADA
GK- Milan Borjan | SRB / FK Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade)
GK- James Pantemis | CAN / CF Montréal
GK- Dayne St. Clair | USA / Minnesota United FC
Samuel Adekugbe | NOR / Vålerenga Fotball
Tajon Buchanan | USA / New England Revolution
Lucas Cavallini | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Theo Corbeanu | ENG / Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
Jonathan David | FRA / Lille OSC
Alphonso Davies | GER / FC Bayern München
Stephen Eustáquio | POR / FC Paços de Ferreira
Liam Fraser | USA / Columbus Crew SC
Doneil Henry | KOR / Suwon Samsung Bluewings
David Junior Hoilett | WAL / Cardiff City FC
Alistair Johnston | USA / Nashville SC
Mark-Anthony Kaye | USA / Los Angeles FC
Scott Kennedy | GER / SSV Jahn Regensburg
Cyle Larin | TUR / Beşiktaş JK
Richie Laryea | CAN / Toronto FC
Liam Millar | ENG / Liverpool FC
Jonathan Osorio | CAN / Toronto FC
Samuel Piette | CAN / CF Montréal
Frank Sturing | NED / FC Den Bosch
Steven Vitória | POR / Moreirense FC
David Wotherspoon | SCO / St. Johnstone FC

I was going to post it up but you saved me the trouble...our national team still looks good regardless of who is missing

[elly63]

Very early, slight rumblings, of a possibility of Jonathan David to Real Madrid if they can't get Mbappe

[Tg11]

Originally Posted by elly63

Very early, slight rumblings, of a possibility of Jonathan David to Real Madrid if they can't get Mbappe

Also been hearing rumors about David to Real Madrid but if I'm David, I go to PSG especially if Mbappe leaves PSG. Or I go to other clubs like Napoli, AC Milan, Inter Milan or Manchester United

[elly63]

• Video Link

[Tg11]

If Canada beats both Aruba and Suriname then we go on to a home and away 2 leg playoff against Nicaragua or Haiti...most likely Haiti. Then if we can win that playoff, we then make the Octagonal. In the Octagonal, is where the true competition is because you will have to face teams like Mexico, USA, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Honduras

[elly63]

• Video Link • Video Link

Nice interview with Theo

[elly63]

Originally Posted by elly63

Canada announces squad for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers in June
Canada will face Aruba on Saturday 5 June and Suriname on Tuesday 8 June
Canadian Soccer Association May 29, 2021

Corbeanu is one of seven players who have featured in two or less international “A” appearances for Canada. Other young players are Alistair Johnston of Nashville SC, Frank Sturing of FC Den Bosch (Netherlands), and potential debutants Tajon Buchanan of New England Revolution, Scott Kennedy of SSV Jahn Regensburg (Germany), James Pantemis of CF Montréal and Dayne St. Clair of Minnesota United FC.

CANADA
Tajon Buchanan | USA / New England Revolution

Euro clubs interested in Canadian Buchanan
TSN.ca Staff Apr 15, 2021

Interest across the pond in rising Canadian star and New England Revolution midfielder Tajon Buchanan is growing.

According to TSN's Matthew Scianitti, Juventus, PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, and Red Bull Salzburg are among clubs interested in Buchanan.

Scianitti added the clubs believe the 22-year-old has potential at right back.

Buchanan has been with the Revolution the past two seasons and has recorded two goals with the club. He has also appeared with the Canada U23 team.

[elly63]

World Cup qualifying tonight
WCQ: Aruba vs Canada - Saturday, June 5 2021, 8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific - IMG Academy, FL

Broadcast on One Soccer. Don't look for the big names to be playing tonight, looks to be two different teams training for Aruba and Suriname.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by elly63

WCQ: Aruba vs Canada - Saturday, June 5 2021,

GK- Dayne St. Clair | USA / Minnesota United FC
Samuel Adekugbe | NOR / Vålerenga Fotball
Tajon Buchanan | USA / New England Revolution
Lucas Cavallini | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Liam Fraser | USA / Columbus Crew SC
David Junior Hoilett | WAL / Cardiff City FC
Mark-Anthony Kaye | USA / Los Angeles FC
Liam Millar | ENG / Liverpool FC
Frank Sturing | NED / FC Den Bosch
Steven Vitória | POR / Moreirense FC
David Wotherspoon | SCO / St. Johnstone FC

We do get to see the big names at 65'

[elly63]

Canada continue Qatar 2022 qualifying journey with 7:0 win over Aruba
canadasoccer.com June 05, 2021

Man of the Match Mark-Anthony Kaye

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team continued its FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers campaign with a strong 7:0 win over Aruba on Saturday at the IMG Academy Soccer Complex in Bradenton, Florida. With the win Canada regained its position atop Group B, setting up a crucial match against Suriname on the final match day of the First Round of group play.

The Canadian result was powered by two goals from Lucas Cavallini, and one each from Junior Hoilett, Zachary Brault-Guillard, Alphonso Davies, Cyle Larin, and Jonathan David.

“We knew Aruba would be a tougher test than the Cayman Islands, but, the conditions were tough here for the lads. It was hot and humid but they pushed through,” said John Herdman, Men’s National Team Head Coach. “Tonight was about getting them (Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin) the feel in a match condition, in a Canadian shirt to be part of the first mission. They deserve it, they’re our top players.”

Only the group winner will advance beyond the First Round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers, with the Group B winner to face the Group E winner in a Second Round head-to-head series on 12 and 15 June that will start in either Haiti or Nicaragua. The winner from that Second Round then advances to the Concacaf Final Round of eight nations scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2021.

Canada’s international matches in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers will all be broadcast live on OneSoccer with the Tuesday Canada-Suriname match scheduled for 21.00 ET / 18.00 PT (20.00 local in Bridgeview, Illinois). Canada’s home match on 8 June at SeatGeek Stadium will be played in a closed-door environment. Fans will find extended coverage across Canada Soccer’s digital channels on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube featuring the hashtag #CANMNT.

Canada opened the scoring in the 14’ as Steven Vitória played a great ball to pick out Junior Hoilett who combined well with Mark-Anthony Kaye down the Canadian right flank. Kaye then hit an inch perfect cross to the centre of the penalty area where Lucas Cavallini buried a header from six yards out.

Canada doubled its lead in the 20’ as Hoilett, captaining Canada on his birthday, converted a penalty low to the right corner, sending Aruba goalkeeper Eric Abdul the wrong way.

Cavallini capped a strong finish to the half for Canada, converting his second goal of the match in first half injury time as Tajon Buchanan dribbled into the Aruba penalty area and played a perfect ball across the face of goal to Cavallini who made no mistake driving a low shot past Abdul. The assist finished off a strong 45 minutes for Buchanan on his senior Canadian debut.

Canada kept the tempo high to start the second half and were rewarded with a fourth goal as first half substitute Zachary Brault-Guillard turned on the skill, turning smoothly to roll his defender before dispatching a powerful strike into the top corner of the goal. The stunning strike marked Brault-Guillard’s first goal in Canadian colours.

Canada continued the scoring in the 78’ as second half substitutes Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies played a neat combination down the left before Davies hit a left-footed strike that ricocheted and settled into the bottom corner.

The theme of second half substitutes scoring continued as Cyle Larin scored in the 88’ and Jonathan David capped the night for Canada in the 90’.

“All of these games pose a different mental challenge, but, you have to go into the games with the right mentality and be patient,” said Mark-Anthony Kaye, the Man of the Match. “We had to be persistent and trust our tactical ideas and eventually the team that’s defending is going to slip up and give you the chance to capitalize.”

Canada’s starting XI featured Dayne St. Clair in goal, Tajon Buchanan at right back, Steven Vitória and Frank Sturing at centre back, Samuel Adekugbe at left back, and Liam Fraser, David Wotherspoon, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Junior Hoilett, Lucas Cavallini and Liam Millar from midfield up through to the attack. In the 34th minute, Zachary Brault-Guillard replaced Junior Hoillett. In the second half, coach John Herdman replaced Millar with Theo Corbeanu (46’), Adekugbe with Alphonso Davies (64’) and Wotherspoon with Jonathan David (64’), and Cavallini with Cyle Larin (72’). Buchanan and St. Clair each earned their first caps for Canada.

In all, 30 Concacaf nations are competing in this first round with six group winners advancing to a second round of head-to-head knockout matches. FIFA have established Canada’s pathway for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifiers beginning with an initial round of four matches against Group B opponents Aruba, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Suriname.

“We’ve created something here, a brotherhood based on a shared purpose to qualify this team to the FIFA World Cup,” said Herdman. “They care about each other and that’s the first thing. They care about taking this team to the FIFA World Cup and you saw it in March when they had a chance to be back together and build on that spirit in the Canada shirt.”

• Video Link

[Tg11]

Canada wins 4-0 against Suriname. That ought to shut those Surinamese fans up especially since Canada we won our group and we did it quite dominantly and decisively. Scoring the most goals out of any team in that group and whilst only giving up 1 goal in that group. Now we go on to face Haiti in the 2 leg playoff starting on Saturday when we have to travel to Haiti.

Either way I'm excited. We have a chance at redemption especially after what happened 2 years ago in the Gold Cup when Haiti beat us.

I tip my hat to Suriname. Gave us quite the scare. Suriname I can honestly say 2026 they could be a team that qualifies out of CONCACAF.

[elly63]

Canada defeat Suriname 4:0 to advance to the Second Round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifying
canadasoccer.com June 09, 2021

Canada advanced to Concacaf’s Second Round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Qatar 2022 with an emphatic 4:0 win over Suriname on Tuesday night in Chicago. The win keeps Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team perfect in 2021 with four-straight wins to finish atop Group B as they advance to a head-to-head series against Haiti.

The two-match series will be played 12 June in Haiti and 15 June back in Chicago, Canada’s home away from home amidst travel restrictions during the global pandemic. Both matches will be broadcast live on OneSoccer. Should Canada advance past the Haitians, they would qualify for the Octagonal from which three teams will advance to Qatar with the fourth-place team playing an intercontinental playoff.

“We knew Suriname were going to be a tough test, they were riding a bit of a high coming out of their last game. We always knew if we could weather that storm and stick to the process that we’d be in good shape.” said John Herdman, Men’s National Team Head Coach. “The universe has brought us that (Haiti) game, we wanted it back. No better than an opportunity to go into their hometown and have that experience for the players. I don’t need to do motivational speeches for this team, now. They’re crystal clear, the purpose is there and you’ve seen the passion tonight.”

Canada had a big chance in the 17’ when Richie Laryea’s shot from distance was saved off the post by goalkeeper Warner Hahn. On the play, it was a great through ball for Jonathan David whose shot was saved into the path of Laryea.

Canada took the 1-0 lead on the Davies goal in the 37’ minute, his fourth in the last three matches and his ninth career goal since 2017. On the play, debutant Scott Kennedy played it forward to David who turned and played it into the box. Suriname right back Kevin Leerdam got a touch on the ball, but he wasn’t quick enough as Davies sped in around him and fired the next touch through the legs of the goalkeeper.

With the goal, Davies also became the first Canadian since Paul Peschisolido in 1996 to score in three-straight FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in the same year.

In the 60’, David made it 2-0 after he was played through on goal by Davies. David’s low shot from inside the box after he outran the centre back Shaquille Pinas.

In the 73’, David scored again after Davies fought his way through a pair of defenders, fell over, got back up and played a ball to David’s back foot. David re-set his feet and coolly buried it into the top corner with his left foot.

Just five minutes later, Mark-Anthony Kaye threaded a pass into the box to a wide-open Lucas Cavallini who was taken down in the box to earn a penalty. David, on a hat trick stepped up and slotted it home. With the hat trick, it marked the first time ever that Canada scored hat tricks in three international matches in the same season, with David joining Cavallini as just the second player to ever to score three hat tricks for the Men’s National Team. David’s third goal was the 15th of his international career.

“We played well in a new formation in a game that was slow in the beginning trying to figure out how we were going to break them down,” said Alphonso Davies. “We’re happy that we were able to take the lead and then start playing the way that we know how to play and the right opportunities came and we put our goals away. The connection (with Jonathan David) is good, every time I try to find him he’s been in the right position.”

Canada’s starting XI featured Milan Borjan in goal, Alistair Johnston at right back, Doneil Henry at centre back, Scott Kennedy at left back, and Samuel Piette, Richie Laryea, Stephen Eustáquio, Jonathan Osorio, Alphonso Davies, Cyle Larin, and Jonathan David from the midfield up through to the attack. In the second half, coach John Herdman replaced Cyle Larin with Lucas Cavallini, Jonathan Osorio with Mark-Anthony Kaye (66’), and Alphonso Davies with Sam Adekugbe, Jonathan David with David Wotherspoon, and Richie Laryea with Tajon Buchanan (82’).

• Video Link

[elly63]

Canadian centre back Scott Kennedy turns heads in debut with national team
Neil Davidson The Canadian Press June 10 2021

As first impressions go, Canadian defender Scott Kennedy hit it out of the park.

Canada coach John Herdman, who had talked up the uncapped Kennedy in the leadup to Tuesday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Suriname, started the 24-year-old from Calgary in a back three with veteran Doneil Henry and Alistair Johnston.

He was not disappointed.

“That was as strong a debut as I’ve seen for this country,” Herdman said after the 4-0 win, which moved Canada into a second-round playoff against Haiti.

The 70th-ranked Canadian men play No. 83 Haiti on Saturday in Port-au-Prince with the rematch Tuesday at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Ill. Canada is 7-2-2 all-time against Haiti but lost last time out, blowing a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 in the 2019 Gold Cup quarter-finals.

The Canada-Haiti winner moves on to the so-called Octagonal, the eight-team final round of qualifying in CONCACAF, which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean. The Canadian men have not made the final qualifying round since the buildup to France ’98.

Kennedy, who plays his club soccer for SSV Jahn Regensburg in the German second tier, is no overnight sensation. The 6-foot-3 174-pound defender left home at 18 to go to Europe, working his way up from the lower levels in Austria and Germany to the Bundesliga 2.

Making his Canadian debut was a “special moment.”

“It actually hit me when we were singing the national anthem,” Kennedy said in an interview. “The hairs on my arms stood up a bit because I realized how far I’d come. It’s altogether six years now that I’ve been working for it; I just soaked it all up.”

His road in Europe took him from SB Traunstein to FC Amberg in Germany and then SV Grodig and SK Austria Klagenfurt in Austria. He joined Regensburg in 2020.

“I’ve enjoyed my time there,” he said of his European experience. “I think it’s definitely shaped who I am as a person, being away from home and having those difficulties maybe. Not having the help from family or friends. Having to get through things on your own.”

Kennedy caught Herdman’s eye during Regensburg’s German Cup run this season. The club made it to the quarter-finals, with Kennedy scoring in an upset win over top-tier FC Cologne before losing to Werder Bremen, another Bundesliga team.

“They were the moments that helped me understand that when he’s with better players and playing against better players, he can really rise up,” Herdman said.

The win over Cologne marked Regensburg’s third consecutive penalty shootout victory.

Herdman describes Kennedy as a “no-nonsense guy” who gets the job done.

“Just the way he’s handles himself from the day he came into this environment, [he’s] just a consummate pro,” Herdman said.

Kennedy has two more years on his contact with Regensburg, which finished 14th in Bundesliga 2 this season with 9-14-11 record.

“I’m very happy so far,” he said of his time at the club. “It was a great step in my career, especially this past year to get so many games in.”

Herdman talked to Kennedy about bringing him in to camp ahead of March World Cup qualifiers against Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. But Kennedy picked up a knee injury and was unable to go.

“That was when I realized that they were looking at me and were watching my games,” Kennedy said. “So it was definitely a nice thing to hear and I definitely wanted to jump on the next opportunity, which was now. I’m happy it worked out this time.”

Regensburg normally employs a four-man backline but presses aggressively. He says that eased the transition to the back three with Canada.

“Doneil and Alistair played great. We had a good understanding of what we had to do,” Kennedy said. “I felt comfortable.”

Good on the ball, Kennedy was a midfielder growing up. In his later teenage years, he switched first to fullback and then centre back.

“I grew a little bit later,” he explained. “I wasn’t always 6-3, so I wasn’t needed back there. I just sort of grew into it and I love to defend. I love people needing to count on me. I love that pressure.”

He played club soccer for Calgary West, Calgary Chinooks and William Aberhart High School.

Kennedy started his European club journey after his Chinooks team went on tour in Germany. His coach had German connections, inviting some of them to come see his team play.

One liked what he saw. The scout, Rainer Horgl, became his agent. “We’ve worked together ever since,” Kennedy said.

It wasn’t easy at the beginning.

His first club, SB Traunstein, was a semi-professional side in Germany’s sixth tier and only trained three or four times a week. Kennedy didn’t speak the language. Back home, meanwhile, his friends were going to university “and having fun.”

“Of course there was doubt – and thinking that you’re missing out on things,” Kennedy said. “But I just remembered why I was there, what I wanted. I’ve always had the idea if you want something, you have to sacrifice other things in your life. And I was willing to do that.”

While he worked to improve his game on the field, he learned German off it and is now fluent.

Regensburg is located in the southeast of Germany, some 125 kilometres north of Munich. Filled with history, it’s a popular tourist destination outside of the pandemic.

“I haven’t been able to investigate too much, but I love it there,” he said. “The scenery’s nice. It’s got a lot of culture, a lot of history. But I’m still scratching the surface when it comes to figuring it all out, just because of the situation going on.”

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Games on!

WCQ: Haiti vs Canada - Saturday, June 12th, 5 pm Eastern

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Canada open with crucial 1:0 win over Haiti in away leg of the Second Round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Qualifying
canadasoccer.com June 12, 2021

Return leg goes 15 June LIVE on OneSoccer.ca

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team defeated Haiti 1:0 to earn an important first leg victory in the Second Round of Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Cyle Larin’s goal in the 14’ earned Canada the critical away goal. Canada will now head back to Chicago for the second leg on 15 June looking to secure their spot in the Final Round.

Fans can watch the second leg Tuesday 15 June at 9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. PT LIVE on OneSoccer. Fans will find extended coverage across Canada Soccer’s digital channels on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube featuring the hashtag #CANMNT.

“This is about getting to the Octagon, it’s about getting the result we needed, one goal, a win, away goal and now we’re headed back to Chicago,” said John Herdman, Men’s National Team Head Coach. “In the second half, we weathered the storm, we weathered the chaos. The guys that came in did the job that they were primed to do and I’m really proud of them.”

Larin’s goal was the 14th of his international career and 10th in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, moving him into second place behind Alex Bunbury (11) on Canada’s all-time goals list in the competition.

Canada started the game against an aggressive Haitian press earning them a yellow card in the 2’ as Pierrot Frantzdy chopped down Alphonso Davies. Centreback Scott Kennedy got his head up and played a brilliant ball over the top to Cyle Larin in the 5’ that was flagged for offside.

Canada took the lead that earned the win in the 14’. Richie Laryea found room on the wing and played back to Stephen Eustáquio who laid off for Mark-Anthony Kaye. Kaye played through to Jonathan Osorio whose ball into the box skipped over Haitian GK Johny Placide and Larin made no mistake.

Larin nearly made it 2:0 in the 18’ on a direct ball over the top, but Haitian goalkeeper Placide was up to the task. Defender Alistair Johnston made his presence known meeting the Haitian aggression with a well time, tough tackle in the 28’.

The Hatians’ forceful play against Alphonso Davies continued in the 41’ as Jeppe Friborg picked up a card after dragging Davies down by the jersey after a burst of speed from the winger.

Canada’s best chance to equalize came early in the second half as Jonathan David was played through on goal. With a clear path to goal, David worked to get onto his favoured left foot and Placide was able to block the shot from the Canadian attacker in the 52’.

Just a minute later Haiti forced a massive save from Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan. Borjan’s back-pedalling tip kept Canada’s lead. Borjan again made a big save in the 57’ after Pierrot was played over the top.

Davies and David, who were instrumental in the 4:0 victory in the last match against Suriname, nearly found that spark again in the 75’ after Davies showed his pace on the ball in the middle of the park. Davies played David wide left at the top of the box but the tough angle shot was handled by Placide.

A late free kick for Stephen Eustáquio found second half substitute Lucas Cavallini who knocked it down for Scott Kennedy with a pass that wasn’t quite heavy enough and Placide took the ball away.

A pair of late corners allowed the Canadians to eat up the final minutes of injury time to secure the 1:0 victory.

“It was a very good win and we wanted to have a clean sheet as well, we accomplished that on turf which was difficult for the lads but we stuck together and won,” said Stephen Eustáquio. “You just have to be smart and secure at the back. We have players in our attack that can decide the game like Cyle did today. The early goal gave us confidence of course and we just had to manage from there.”

Canada’s starting XI featured Milan Borjan in goal, Alistair Johnston at right back, Steven Vitória at centre back, Scott Kennedy at left back, and Richie Laryea, Alphonso Davies, Stephen Eustáquio, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Jonathan Osorio, Jonathan David and Cyle Larin from the midfield up through to the attack. In the second half, coach John Herdman replaced Kaye with Samuel Adekugbe (61’), Laryea for Tajon Buchanan and Larin for Doneil Henry (78’), and David for Lucas Cavallini and Osorio for Samuel Piette (82’).

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WCQ anada vs Haiti - Tuesday, June 15th, 9 pm Eastern SeatGeek Stadium, Chicago

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