It has been a while since Canada faced the United States on Canadian soil in a competitive match (almost 22 years to be precise). In that time, the Canadian Men’s National Team went through multiple generations of players, from De Rosario to Bernier, all the way to Devos and Bunbury.

Midfielders Scott Arfeld (captain) and Mark-Anthony Kaye of the CanMNT

Bar and Bat Mitzvah, Bullet Ants glove of the Sateré-Mawé, where young men test their strength and mental capacity by putting on a glove filled with bullet ants are a couple of examples of rites of passages rituals in the World.

The bullet ants glove of the Sateré-Mawé

Not every generation gets to experience a rite of passage. It is a rare opportunity and few current players in the program have had the chance to experience their coming of age test.

For Canada, the rite of passage is facing the United States of America in a competitive match, with a potential spot in the Hexagonal in the balance.

Will Canada stumble like an Ethiopian groom, jumping naked over cattle or will Canada be fearless as a Vanuatu Land Divers, taking that leap of faith and risking your life to show your worth?

Vanuatu Land Divers

Tonight is the Coming of Age for a new generation of Canadian soccer players and regardless of the result, they will be better because of it.

But seriously for the Hex, it’s on the line tonight.