Time to speak up about state of Canadian soccer
I have received numerous requests recently to wade into the murky waters of the ongoing power struggle at the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA). For those of you who are unaware of what has been going on in Alberta, there are two rival Boards vying for control of the ASA.

As the matter is now before a Court of Queen’s Bench justice, pending a decision in mid-August, it is not something on which I can comment. What I can comment on, though, is a letter that was forwarded to me by a member of the ASA in early June.

The letter is dated May 26, 2010, and it is from the Vice-President of the ASA, Mario Charpentier, to all members of the ASA.

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Also in August, Canada’s Para Soccer team as well as Canada’s men’s national team will be in camp, with the latter assembling at the end of the month before what will be a busy September for Canada’s two national “A” teams.

Already in 2010, Canada has held national camps for five different youth age teams – men’s U-20, men’s U-17, women’s U-20, women’s U-18, and women’s U-17. The addition of two U-15 teams – girls in early August and boys later this year – marks seven different national youth teams in 2010.

Add in the activity for the men’s full national, men’s U-23/Olympic, women’s full national and Para-Soccer teams, that makes 11 different national soccer teams in play this 2010 season.

Following this week’s BMO National Championships Nutrilite All Stars, Canada’s men’s U-17 team will assemble in Sherbrooke under head coach Sean Fleming. The players will be selected directly from the competition and remain in Sherbrooke from 25 July to 1 August. This team is in its early preparations for the 2011 CONCACAF Men’s Under-17 Championship.

Also following the weekend, Canada’s women’s U-17 team will hold its next camp in Santiago, Chile under head coach Bryan Rosenfeld. The camp runs 25 July to 3 August. This team has already won the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship (March in Costa Rica) and is currently preparing for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Trinidad and Tobago 2010 (September 2010).

At the end of July, Canada’s women’s U-15 team will group in Sunrise, FL, USA under coach David Benning. This camp will run 30 July to 9 August. Finally, Canada’s men’s U-20 team will meet in Spain for a camp and competition from 9-21 August. The men’s U-20 team is coached by Valerio Gazzola.

Men’s International Friendlies
In September, Canada’s men’s national team will host two Men’s International Friendly matches – 4 September against Peru in Toronto and 7 September against Honduras in Montréal. Tickets to both matches are available now (Toronto via Ticketmaster / 416.872.5000 / ticketmaster.ca; Montréal via Admission / 1.800.361.4595 / Admission.com). Canada’s women’s national team, meanwhile, will face reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Germany on 15 September in Germany.

Turning around Canadian Soccer
It was good to hear Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson being interviewed on TSN’s Off The Record. When asked about Canadian soccer and our lack of success, he commented about the geographic disadvantages we face and the lack of motivation our players have once they reach 16. True enough, although rather simplistic for the 21st century.

Not to be too critical of Sir Alex, after all, he was not asking the questions and what would he know of the ingrained soccer problems we face in our country. He has never lived the experience.

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Fans can purchase their tickets via Admission at www.Admission.com or 1.800.361.4595. Ticket prices start as low as $20 while premium tickets cost just $40. Group rates are available in select sections with the purchase of 10 or more tickets.

“This is simply an excellent opportunity for the national team and its players,” said national head coach Stephen Hart. “Playing at home is always special and I am certain both the players and Canadian fans will welcome this announcement.”

Canada will play back-to-back home matches on FIFA international dates in early September. On 4 September (17.30 kickoff), Canada faces Peru at BMO Field in Toronto (Ticketmaster / 416.872.5000). The Canadian team then flies to Montréal to face Honduras on 7 September (19.30 kickoff).

Canada last faced Honduras at the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup in the quarter final stage. Honduras won 1:0 on a penalty kick goal. In 2010, Honduras was one of three CONCACAF nations that participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Honduras is Canada’s second 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ opponent this year. In a trip to South America in late May, Canada lost to eventual quarter-final participant Argentina on 24 May. On that same trip, Canada also drew 1:1 with Venezuela on 30 May.

With South Africa now complete, the world turns its attention to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. The Canada-Honduras match is part of Hart’s early preparations in advance of the next FIFA World Cup™ Qualifiers, which are expected to begin in 2012. In between, Hart and the Canadian squad will also have the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup (schedule also yet to be announced).

Canada – Peru tickets on sale Monday 12 July
International soccer returns to Toronto as Canada hosts four-time World Cup™ participants Peru in an international men’s match on 4 September at BMO Field. Tickets to the upcoming Canada-Peru soccer friendly will go on sale to the public Monday 12 July at 10.00 ET through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster.ca or 416.872.5000). The match will kick off at 19.30.

“We are pleased to be facing an established opponent like Peru on our home soil,” said Canadian national head coach Stephen Hart. “This match gives us an excellent opportunity to prepare against solid competition. We look forward to playing this match in front of our home fans.”

The match will mark Canada’s return to international action following the completion of this summer’s 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. Canada has already faced two South American opponents in 2010 falling to FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finalists Argentina and drawing with Venezuela in May.

Canada will be looking to continue to build on the positive momentum it has created with its 2010 schedule. The team is just beginning its early preparations for the next round of FIFA World Cup™ Qualifiers in 2012. .

This will be the first visit for Peru to Canada and the second time that the two countries have met in international competition. The two sides first and only meeting came on 26 March 1988 in Lima Peru. Canada won that match 3:1 in front of 45,000 fans on goals from Lyndon Hooper, Nick De Santis and John Catliff.

Peru enjoys a strong soccer pedigree having reached the FIFA World Cup four times (1930, 1970, 1978, and 1982). La Blanquirroja have also won the South American Championship – Copa America on two occasions in 1939 and 1975.

The 4 September match will be Canada’s first on the newly installed grass at BMO Field and it’s first in Toronto since a 1:1 draw with Jamaica on 20 August 2008 as part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifying process. That match was memorable for the impressive Canadian support that turned out to cheer on Canada in their red and white.

Canada’s all-time home record is 44 wins, 17 draws, and 37 defeats.

Tickets for the Canada-Peru contest cost between $36-$110 each. Group rates are available in numerous sections with the purchase of 10 or more tickets. This match is the first of a two-match home series that will see Canada meet Honduras in Montréal on 7 September.

Canada needs a soccer identity
smarts and determination from all sectors of our soccer industry.

One could write a lengthy document to outline why Canada will not get to Brazil in 2014, but nevertheless, if soccer stakeholders in our country can wake up to some of the true realities of what it will take to be a winner, then at least some building blocks will be in place for future success in World Cup qualifying campaigns, even if Stephen Hart’s current team fails.

Let’s start with three simple areas that require no more than an attitude shift.

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“We played very well today,” said Canadian head coach Carolina Morace. “At times we played some very nice attacking soccer and we created many chances to score. I am pleased with the team’s performance today as we improved significantly over our last match and played well enough to win.”

The match concluded Canada’s week-long stay in Norway. The Norway camp was preceded by a camp held near Washington, DC. The camps combined provided coach Morace an extended period to work with her squad.

Coach Morace’s starting XI for Canada featured Karina LeBlanc in goal, Rhian Wilkinson at right back, Emily Zurrer and Lexi Marton at centre back, Bryanna McCarthy at left back, Kelly Parker, Sophie Schmidt and Carmelina Moscato in midfield, and Christina Julien, Jodi-Ann Robinson, and Josée Bélanger at the top.

Norway’s coach Eli Landsemarolina selected a starting XI for Norway that featured Ingrid Hjelmeseth, Marit Sandvei, Ingvild Stensland, Toril Hetland Akerhaugen, Lisa Marie Woods, Trine Ronning, Guro Knusten, Isabell Herlovsen, Leni Larsen Kaurin, Lise Klaveness, Cecilie Pedersen.

A fast-paced start had both teams register a shot within the first eight minutes of the match. Canada’s Carmelina Moscato was unable to find the target with her first-time effort in the fifth minute.

Following the quick start, both teams settled into an evenly-played first half.

Canada came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute as Bélanger released her strike partner Julien behind the Norwegian defence. Julien, who received the ball near the centre line, raced toward the Norwegian 18-yard box and attempted to round the goalkeeper who stood her ground to make the save. Julien kept her composure to collect the rebound, but rolled her shot just wide of the post.

Norway earned six corners in the first half and nearly made one count in the 29th minute. A deep corner eluded everyone until Kaurin directed a header on goal from the back post. Canadian goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc reacted well to make the save with her legs before the danger was cleared.

Canada started the second half brightly and some nice interplay between Julien and Robinson created space for the speedy Robinson whose snap shot was charged down by the Norwegian defence.

Julien was involved again in the 50th minute as Parker fed the ball into her path as she sprinted away from her defenders. Her shot to the short side was stopped by the Norwegian goalkeeper.

Norway nearly struck in the 54th minute when a square ball reached Woods at the top of the Canadian box, however her driven shot flew just over LeBlanc’s bar.

Coach Morace changed two thirds of her forward line in the 60th minute as Julien and Robinson were replaced by Chelsea Stewart and Brooke McCalla.

In the 69th minute, a well worked set piece from Canada unlocked the Norwegian defence for the opening goal. Schmidt played a short corner kick to Parker who beat her defender to the end line before driving a low cross across the face of goal. The onrushing Bélanger did well to hold off her defender and redirect the ball into goal.

Norway answered back just six minutes later as Pedersen turned in the Canadian box and placed her shot beyond LeBlanc into the far side of the goal.

Canada’s final two substitutions saw Bélanger come off in the 86th minute for Alysha Bonnick and Marton replaced in the 87th minute by Marie-Eve Nault.

The international friendly was played in front of 823 fans at Fart Stadium in Hamar.

Canada’s national team needs passion
What do Canada’s 1986 World Cup team and the Preki-inspired Toronto FC renaissance have in common?

Both were conditioned on having the right attitude and passion.

In many ways, it is exciting times in Canadian soccer as the country’s representative in Major League Soccer, Toronto FC, is now performing so well under new coach Predrag (Preki) Radosavljevic that it appears destined to make the playoffs for the first time. But the feeling will get watered down a little once the World Cup kicks off in South Africa next week without Canadian representation.

For Canadian soccer to rid itself of the ignominious labels of soccer minnows and soccer nobodies, the country simply has to qualify for future World Cups.

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McCallum’s goal came on a header off an Issey Nakajima-Farran free kick just outside the penalty area. The goal erased the 1-0 Venezuela lead that was established near the end of the first half on a goal by Ángel Chourio. The McCallum goal sent 20,000 Venezuela fans home disappointed.

“We fought to the end and I thought we deserved the point,” said Nakajima-Farran.

Canada’s starting XI featured Josh Wagenaar in goal, Paul Stalteri at right back, Adam Straith and Richard Hastings at centre back, Mike Klukowski at left back, Issey Nakajima-Farran, Terry Dunfield, Pedro Pacheco, Nik Ledgerwood and Massih Wassey at midfield, and Simeon Jackson up front. Of note, Dunfield made his first appearance with Canada’s national team.

The Venezuela starting XI featured Leonardo Morales in goal, Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, Tomas Rincón, Juan Fuenmayor and Grenndy Perozo at defence, Agnel Flores, Francisco Flores, and Giácomo Di Giorgi at midfield, and Nicolas Fedor, Ángel Chourio and Yohandry Orozc up front.

Canada used all six of its substitutions while Venezuela made five substitutions. Coach Hart replaced Wassey for Stephen Ademolu (61st minute), Klukowski for Eddy Sidra (64′), goalkeeper Wagenaar for Haidar Al-Shaïbani (70′), Dunfield for Jonathan Beaulieu-Bourgault (74′), Pacheco for Gavin McCallum (81′), and Ledgerwood for Gianluca Zavarise (84′). Canada’s late substitutions, of course, made a big difference in the match.

Both teams had a few chances in the opening half, although for the most part the play went back and forth without much danger. Canadian striker Jackson had a wonderful chance in the 39th minute when he was sent through into the penalty area by the Canadian midfield. Jackson, however, hesitated and Venezuelan goalkeeper Leonardo Morales got into position to make the save.

The Jackson opportunity came shortly after Chourio hit the crossbar on a Venezuela rush. On Chourio’s second opportunity in the 44th minute, he made no mistake as he fired a shot from inside the penalty area through the Canadian defence and past the Canadian goalkeeper.

“I felt we controlled the game and we had good speed,” said Canadian national head coach Stephen Hart. “There were two fundamental mistakes – the second on which they scored.”

In the second half, Canada came out determined and created some opportunities. As the half wore on, the play slowed in Venezuela’s favour. From the 56th to 91st minute, both teams made 11 separate substitutions.

In the final minute, however, Canada won a free kick on a good run down the left side by Sidra. It was on that kick that Nakajima-Farran found McCallum and McCallum found the back of the net.

“We pushed forward very well, but Venezuela was very good on the counter attack,” said Hart. “I was happy to see the team respond and get the late goal.”

The Canada 1:1 draw concluded a two-match South American trip for the men’s national team. The Canadian staff now returns home while the Canadian players return to their professional clubs.

Argentine aftermath
They’re so fast – relentless. They leap on mistakes like pumas on a wounded bratwurst.

In a packed park in Buenos Aires, World Cup-bound Argentina laid a 5-0 sledgehammering on a game but exposed Canada, in their final tune-up game before next month’s World Cup in South Africa.

Canada didn’t play all that badly overall, I thought. But any margin they’d usually have – that half second before the tackle, that yard of space you’d normally have to work with – was simply gone.

Relentless Argentine ball-hawking and layered, almost rugby-style fast breaks rendered Canadian intention and strategy irrelevant. The lads in red did what they could. What was done to them could not be reasonably withstood.

So – a disaster? An embarrassment? Honorary mention at the world avalanche-eating championship?

I’m going to take the minority position – that this was actually a useful exercise.

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The 3 June match kicks off at 18.00 local time at the Øvre Vang Stadium. Fans will be able to follow the match via CanadaSoccer.com’s twitter feed at 12.00 ET / 09.00 PT.

This match will provide some of Canada’s younger players an opportunity to prove themselves to coach Morace and her staff. From the preceding camp in and around Washington, DC, Women’s Professional Soccer stars Christine Sinclair, Candace Chapman and Erin McLeod have all returned to their professional clubs. Only Karina LeBlanc was released from her WPS club for this international match.

“Our players will have to show maturity to play without these important players,” said Canadian national head coach Carolina Morace. “It is not ideal to be playing this match without these veterans.”

Joining the team is Sasha Andrews and Diana Matheson from their clubs in Norway.

Canada is currently preparing for the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup, which is expected to be played this October and November. That confederation championship will qualify three teams for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011.

Staff

Canada 3 – 3 Washington Freedom (WPS)
George Mason Stadium
Fairfax, VA, USA
2,238

Notes

• Erin McLeod played for Washington, not Canada
• Of Washington’s strongest players, Sonia Bompastor was on the roster and played but Abby Wambach, Lisa De Vanna, and Homare Sawa were not
• Canada had 27 in camp and we have a groundswell of players circling and closing in on starting 11 quality but Canada’s lineup is becoming quite predictable closing on the Fall qualifier. There are really only a couple of spots on the field up for grabs
• both teams went three into the bench at the break, another 2-3 on the hour with Canada moving another two in the last 20
• a slow start for Canada; Washington scored all three in the first half hour with our strongest lineup on the field

CSA Player of the Match
Kelly Parker

Scoring
11′ Welsh WAS
14′ Mykjåland WAS
23′ Julien CAN
33′ Welsh WAS
51′ Sinclair CAN
52′ Robinson CAN

Lineup
Leblanc (Labbé 71′), Chapman, Zurrer, Nault (McCarthy 46′), Wilkinson (Raber 66′), Parker, Schmidt (Scott 46′), Moscato (Stewart 66′), Bélanger (Chénard 79′), Sinclair, Julien (Robinson 46′)

Stats CAN / WAS
Shots 6 / 9
Saves 8 / 3
Corners 5 / 5
Fouls 6 / 6
Offside 0 / 1