The stark reality Canada faces in international football was on full display this past week, even if the average fan has no idea. Two of our oldest and most stalwart rivals in CONCACAF enjoy a training camp where not only do rookies and young players get a chance to curry favor with the coaching staff and build team bonds, but they also get to compete in some competitive games.
The U.S. is scheduled to play several games in Florida, defeating Venezuela on Saturday and facing Costa Rica on Wednesday. Mexico is preparing for the Nations League semi-finals against Canada in March, having taken a LigaMX-heavy side south to beat Brazil’s Internacional last Thursday, with Argentina’s River Plate next opponent on Tuesday. .
Canada? I have never enjoyed camping like this. Simply put, there isn’t enough money to justify a January training camp – certainly not in a non-World Cup year, anyway.
This is no surprise and no reason to shout in the direction of Canadian football. It just illustrates the different reality of how we do business north of the 49th parallel.
The lack of campsites is unsettling for those involved. While January’s roster may not have much of an impact on March’s Nations League lineup, it does give U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino and Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre some valuable time with their players. time. Many of them may not only provide depth for the upcoming team, but may also play key roles in the near future. Remember, this summer’s Gold Cup will likely be used by top teams to funnel new talent and provide match experience. There’s no doubt this gives Canadian competitors an advantage.
Canada Soccer’s brass fully understands this and are working tirelessly to improve the financial realities the association finds itself in. Whether that’s an improved deal with the Canadian Football Business Association, whose negotiations are still dragging on, or a new and creative way to inject money into the association’s system. This was demonstrated once again last week with the impressive hiring of Casey Stoney as head coach of the women’s national team, with charity fundraising making the appointment possible, as well as Jesse Marsch Participated in the men’s event.
Regardless, it’s still heart-wrenching to see players like Patrick Agyemang and Matko Milevic start for Team USA and score during a window when Marsh isn’t on the sidelines.
Winter of discontent…on the pitch too
Canada’s midfielders are worth keeping an eye on in the coming months. Not so long ago, it was considered a real advantage, and it’s likely to continue to be so. However, Ismael Kone is in desperate need of game time at Marseille, Mathieu Jonnier has barely featured for Grasshoppers since early November and Liam Miller’s season at Hull City is cut short by a cross-over. Ended with a ligament injury and with Tajon Buchanan looking to move on loan from Inter Milan, there are doubts over the center of the park marking Canada.
Canadian veterans to watch at MLS games
Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps have new head coaches ahead of their trip to Spain this weekend, as Major League Soccer training camp continues. Toronto’s Robin Fraser and Vancouver’s Jesper Sorensen will both play key roles in the development of Canada’s young talent, but Marsh should focus on some older players.
In Toronto, Rich Laria and Jonathan Osorio are the regulars for Team Canada and will be looked at to provide real leadership in their struggling club. Meanwhile, in Vancouver, Sam Adekugbe and Ali Ahmed will both be looking to improve under a new coach after disappointing club seasons in 2024 respond below. Both players were sidelined by injuries last year and never found their best form. Adekugbe and Ahmed are capable of starring in MLS, which would only provide their country with much-needed depth.
Robin Fraser and Jesper Sorensen leave it to you…the nation is watching.
