Canada Soccer missing out on winter camp is a sign of remaining challenges
As Canada’s biggest Concacaf rivals hold winter camps and competitive matches this month, it’s a sobering reminder of the obstacles that the CSA still face in getting the national team to the next level.
The stark reality of what Canada is faced with in international soccer was on full display over the past week, even if the average fan had no idea. Our two oldest and staunchest rivals in Concacaf enjoyed camps where not only debutantes and young players were given the opportunity to ingratiate themselves with the coaching staff and bond as a group, but they also got to play some competitive matches.
The U.S. scheduled a couple of games in Florida, beating Venezuela on Saturday and facing Costa Rica next on Wednesday. Mexico, who are preparing for a Nations League semifinal against Canada in March, travelled south with a mainly LigaMX-based squad to beat Brazil’s Internacional last Thursday, with River Plate of Argentina as its next opponent on Tuesday.
Canada? No such camp was enjoyed. Simply put, there are not enough coffers in the pot to justify a January camp — certainly not in a non-World Cup year anyway.
This should not come as a surprise, and there’s no reason to yell and scream in Canada Soccer’s direction. It simply demonstrates the differing realities we are operating in here north of the 49th parallel.
The lack of a camp doesn’t sit well with those involved. Even though the January squads may have little bearing on the Nations League rosters for March, it does give U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino and his Mexican counterpart Javier Aguirre invaluable time with players. Many of them may provide not just depth in upcoming squads, but possibly key roles in the not-so-distant future. Remember, this summer’s Gold Cup may well be used by the top teams to blood new talent and provide match experience. Make no mistake, it gives Canada’s rivals an edge.
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The hierarchy in Canada Soccer fully understand this and are working tirelessly to improve the financial reality the association finds itself in. Whether this is an improved deal with Canada Soccer Business — negotiations for which continue to drag on — or new creative ways to inject funds into the system. The latter was evidenced once again last week with the impressive hiring of Casey Stoney as the head coach for the women’s national team, a hire made possible by the philanthropic fundraising that also brought Jesse Marsch to the men’s program.
Regardless, it still stings to see the likes of Patrick Agyemang and Matko Miljevic start for the U.S., and score during a window where Marsch is not even on a sideline.
WINTER OF DISCONTENT … ON THE FIELD, TOO
It’s worth keeping an eye on Canada’s midfield players over the next few months. Not so long ago, it was considered a real strength, and that may well continue to be the case. However, with Ismael Kone desperate for minutes at Marseille, Mathieu Choiniere having barely featured for Grasshoppers since the beginning of November, Liam Millar’s season over at Hull City with an ACL injury and Tajon Buchanan eyeing a potential loan out of Inter Milan, there are question marks across the centre of the park for Canada.
CANADIAN VETERANS TO WATCH IN MLS
Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps welcome new head coaches ahead of their departures to Spain this weekend as MLS camps continue. Both Robin Fraser in Toronto and Jesper Sorensen in Vancouver will play key roles in the development of young Canadian talent, but it is with some veteran players where Marsch should have his eyes fixed.
In Toronto, Richie Laryea and Jonathan Osorio are staples in the Canadian squad and will be looked upon to provide genuine leadership within their troubled club. Meanwhile in Vancouver, both Sam Adekugbe and Ali Ahmed will hope to respond under their new coach after somewhat disappointing club seasons in 2024. Both players were derailed through injury last year, and never discovered their top form. Adekugbe and Ahmed have the ability to star in MLS, which will only provide much-needed depth for their country.
It’s over to you Robin Fraser and Jesper Sorensen … the nation is watching.
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