The State of Canadian Soccer

Canadian soccer has always been mediocre at best. Other than the world cup qualification in 1986 and the Gold Cup victory in 2000, fans haven’t really had much be optimistic about.

Until now. Canada did just lose 1-0 to the United States in a friendly but there’s something different about the team now. Canada is actually not easy to beat. Benito Floro has instilled a very tough defensive mentality into the team that has prevented them from conceding any goals in the World Cup qualifiers so far.

Unfortunately you can’t say the same about the quality upfront, but things are improving. Junior Hoilett, a flashy, quick and skillful player has finally pledged allegiance to Canada. Tesho Akindele and Cyle Larin who were the MLS Rookies of the year in 2014 and 2015 respectively are proof that Canada is starting to see new talents come through the gates.

The question is, will this team have in them to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia?

Quite honestly, I’m gonna have to say no. But it’s not all doom and gloom! We have to realize Canada only got their first MLS team in 2007, followed by two more in 2011 and 2012. We are already seeing some of the consequences of their introduction, with some of the brightest young talents in the league representing the great white north.

As of right now though, although this team is great defensively, it does lack chemistry upfront. I think Canada will finish second behind Mexico, but ultimately not have enough to make it top 4 in the Hex. I hope to God I’m wrong, but the likes of Panama, Costa Rica, and the United States seem a step above our level for the time being.

I think that Canada is going in the right direction and we could see a World Cup qualification in 2022 which would be exactly what Canadian football needs in order to breed more national attention and interest.

Canada has never been short of potential. But with the new MLS academies and the upcoming planned Canadian Premier League, we can have faith that our team will be more than just potential; perhaps maybe a new powerhouse or at least a dark horse in the CONCACAF..