Tag: Canada

Initial thoughts on a professional women’s league in Canada

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Women's Football, World Football

Last night, news circulated that the long wait for a women's professional league in Canada may soon be on its way. News has circulated in the past that some traction may be developing in this area, but never with the evident backing of people like Christine Sinclair and Diana Matheson, or clubs like the Vancouver Whitecaps and Calgary Foothills. We're still a few years away from the proposed 2025 start date, but it appears as though we can officially cheer for joy that a women's league in Canada will be on its way.

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Reflections from Canada’s loss to Croatia – 2022 World Cup

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Most Recent, World Cup 2022

After taking a few days to reflect on Canada's disappointing loss against Croatia, I have been able to take away many positives from the performance. Kamal Miller won't get much in the way of praise after being hung out to dry at the end of the game, but he had another brilliant performance at the back. Alphonso Davies meanwhile bagged the nation's first goal at a Men's World Cup inside just two minutes of action, waking my neighbours up as I yelled of joy. But in dissecting the game further, it's clear to see that Croatia operated at a higher level, with their fanciful one-touch triangulations causing chaos for Canada every time they had the ball. For what feels like the first time ever, a few things will need to drastically change from a tactical standpoint heading into the next fixture from John Herdman's team. Here are my reflections on Canada's 4-1 defeat to Croatia.

Kamal Miller – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Centre Backs, Most Recent, Player Analysis, World Cup 2022

Canadian footballers operating in the MLS have been notoriously underrated over the years, but now with the nation putting themselves on the world stage, clubs across the globe should start to pay more attention to our greatest players. One of those who has announced himself on the grandest stage is CF Montreal's Kamal Miller. Miller's been arguably Canada's best defender across the two opening group stage matches at the 2022 World Cup, serving as a nice compliment to his defensive partner Steven Vitoria at the back. With a range of qualities on and off the ball, Miller could easily be playing for a club in Europe's top five leagues already. So with that, we aim to strengthen Miller's case for a move across the pond.

Belgium 1-0 Canada – World Cup 2022 – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent, World Cup 2022, World Football

Canada's much anticipated first World Cup match in 36 years lived up to the billing, with the Canadians dominating one of the best sides in the world in Belgium. The 1-0 loss will be a slight disappointment for Herdman and his men, but the Maple Leafs will take away the positives from the performance heading into their final two group games. Here is our analysis of Canada's 1-0 defeat to Belgium.

Breaking down Canada’s 2022 World Cup Squad

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Most Recent, Team Analysis, World Cup 2022, World Football

Canada has officially announced the squad for their first World Cup since 1986, and fans of Canadian soccer will be happy to hear that all of the big names have made the cut. Doneil Henry serves as the only major omission after his latest injury set-back, but even he appears to be set to join the squad in Qatar from the sidelines. So with that, we break down John Herdman's squad heading into a historic World Cup, and what to expect from the Canadians in Qatar.

Stephen Eustáquio – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, World Cup 2022

On March 27, 2022, Canada qualified for the World Cup, for the first time since 1986. The likes of Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies evidently played their part, but perhaps no man was more key to Canada's success in the lead-up to World Cup Qualification than the beating heart in Herdman's midfield - Stephen Eustáquio. Now an FC Porto regular playing week in and week out in the Champions League, the 25-year-old will be integral to Canada's success at the upcoming tournament. Here is our analysis of Stephen Eustáquio, and why he's prepared to play a pivotal role for Canada at the 2022 World Cup.

Atletico Ottawa 0-2 Forge FC – CPL Playoff Final – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Match Analysis, Most Recent

The 2022 CPL season has officially come to an end, with a thrilling final between Atletico and Forge ending in another victory for the Hammers - their third CPL Playoff win in four years. Forge bamboozled Atletico Ottawa on the day, completely stunting their quick attacking transitions, while dominating the flow and possession of the match. Here is our tactical analysis of the final, and how Forge came out the other side as victors once more.

Atletico Ottawa v. Forge FC – CPL Playoff Final – Tactical Preview

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Match Analysis

After a long, hard-fought Canadian Premier League season, tomorrow will see the attacking fluidity of Forge meet the defensive solidity of Atletico Ottawa in the CPL Playoff final. The season saw an intense top four battle between the two playoff finalists alongside Pacific and Cavalry over the past seven months, and we are now one day away from the finale to what has been an explosive, groundbreaking season for the CPL. Here is our tactical preview of the final, and what both teams may look to do ahead of tomorrow.

Picking the 2022 Canadian Premier League Team of the Season

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Most Recent

I've spent many hours across the past eight months watching and scrutinizing over the Canadian Premier League. The 2022 campaign saw several seasoned stars move onto pastures new across Europe, and a race for first that came down to the final day. Now that the regular season has officially come to a close, it's time for me to pick my 2022 CPL Team of the Season.

Osaze De Rosario – Player Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Canadian Premier League, Coach Education, Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Striker

Still only 21 years of age, Osaze has much to look forward to in an illustrious career surely set to come. So with that, we analyze the rising star, and assess his potential future for greatness in the sport. Here is our analysis.

USA 1-0 Canada – CONCACAF W Final – Match Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Most Recent, NWSL, Women's Football

Any time Canada and the States face off in women's football, fireworks are bound to explode. With the likes of Alex Morgan, Rose Lavelle and Christian Sinclair in full flow, the CONCACAF Women's Championship Final proved to be an exciting encounter, filled with heart and desire en route to an American victory. Here is our analysis of the fascinating final.