Also: Huntsville Soccer Club updates, Muskoka United Updates, and European Qualifying

A group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar followed by a disappointing performance at the Gold Cup this summer, plus some other poor friendly results, has left a lot to be desired about this Canadian men’s national team.

The Gold Cup was a chance for Les Rouges to get back on track, but they stumbled to one win (against lowly Cuba) and two draws in matches they should have won (Guatemala and Guadeloupe) in the Group Stage before a decent performance in the quarter-finals versus the U.S. where they lost on penalty kicks.

However, that can all be put in the past with a good showing and winning their two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against Jamaica. The first leg was scheduled for Friday, November 17 at 7 p.m. in Kingston. However, due to severe rain and field flooding, the game was rescheduled to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 18 and can be seen on FuboTV Canada.

The second leg is on November 21 at BMO Field in Toronto with kick-off going at 7:30 p.m. Tickets were still available to that match at the time of his writing.

Not only does it offer Les Rouges a chance at redemption, but this tie against The Reggae Boyz has the added importance of the winner qualifying for the 2024 Copa America (featuring 10 CONMEBOL and six CONCACAF nations).

This would give Canada a chance to test their mettle against the likes of current World Champion Argentina, five-time World Cup winners Brazil, Uruguay, Chile and other South American nations.

It’s an ideal competition to gauge a team’s level, and is especially useful for the three 2026 World Cup host nations (Canada, Mexico and the United States), who won’t be going through the qualifying campaign for their home tournament.

Should the Canadian team fail to win their two-legged quarter-final tie against Jamaica, there is still a back door entry into the Copa America event. While the four Nations League semi-finalists earn automatic berths, the four losing quarter-finalists take part in a playoff for the final two CONCACAF spots.

But, that’s not how anybody wants to qualify for a major tournament and wouldn’t give the fans much confidence moving forward.

After the European Championships (aka the EUROs) and the World Cup, the Copa America offers the next best national team event. Which gives me the idea for writing about my list of best international soccer tournaments … coming soon folks, stay tuned.

On that note, it’s time for Canada to get their act together and take down Jamaica to advance to the Nations League semis and qualify for the Copa America. It’s the only way to put things back on track ahead of 2026.

CANADA’S SQUAD FOR THE QUARTERFINALS​

Canada’s three goalkeepers are Milan Borjan of ŠK Slovan Bratislava, Maxime Crépeau from Los Angeles FC, and Dayne St. Clair from Minnesota United FC.

In the backline, Canada have Derek Cornelius from Malmö FF, Steven Vitória from GD Chaves, Luc de Fougerolles from Fulham FC, Alistair Johnston from Celtic FC, Kamal Miller from Inter Miami FC, Samuel Adekugbe from Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Alphonso Davies from FC Bayern München, Richie Laryea from Vancouver Whitecaps FC. de Fougerolles was named man of the match in his recent first team debut with club Fulham FC in their EFL Cup win.

From the midfield up through to the attack, Canada have Ali Ahmed from Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Stephen Eustáquio from Porto, Mark-Anthony Kaye from New England Revolution, Ismaël Koné from Watford FC, Jonathan Osorio from Toronto FC, Samuel Piette from CF Montréal, David Junior Hoilett from Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Tajon Buchanan from Club Brugge KV, Lucas Cavallini from Club Tijuana, Jonathan David from Lille OSC, Cyle Larin from RCD Mallorca, Liam Millar from Preston North End FC. ​

HUntsville soccer club AGM Update

After a bit of delay, the Huntsville Soccer Club has rescheduled its annual general meeting.

The meeting will be held on December 13 at 7 p.m. via a Microsoft Teams call. All players, coaches and families of youth players are welcome to attend, as well as anyone interested in learning more about the Club.

As well, the following voting positions are up for election this year, Vice President, Minor Soccer Director, Head Club Coach, Adult Coordinator, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, and Treasurer.

Opportunities exist in taking on other roles for the club that require seasonal or limited commitments, including Equipment Manager and Field Scheduler. 

Anyone interested in joining the club’s executive committee or becoming a volunteer in another fashion can email administrator@huntsvillesoccer.ca

Muskoka united fc updates

Muskoka United FC are looking for 2024 sponsors at both the club-wide and team specific level.

Local sponsorship, combined with the extensive efforts of the volunteer board and coaches, allows the club to offer ever-growing and improving rep soccer programming throughout Muskoka and the surrounding areas.

Muskoka United Football Club’s vision is to unite the community of Muskoka by providing opportunities for the development of local youth and foster a lifelong passion for the game of soccer. 

The MUFC mission is to create a local, sustainable pathway for soccer by focusing on whole athlete development, emphasizing the enjoyment of the game, and providing a variety of quality programs and coaching opportunities.

We anticipate that 2024 will be an even better year as we are always making improvements to our programs.  If you choose to sponsor our Club in one of the formats listed below, you will be providing an opportunity to advertise your business and to show your community support!   

If you have any interest in becoming a sponsor or to find out other ways to help, contact muskokaunitedfc@gmail.com

european qualifiers – euro 2024

Several teams have already qualified for EURO 2024 in Germany, but perhaps the teams who have yet to earn their spots in the continental tournament are more surprising.

Qualifying at a glance

Qualified: Germany (hosts), Austria, Belgium, England, France, Hungary, Portugal, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Türkiye
Confirmed in play-offs: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Finland, Georgia, Luxembourg
Assured of at least a play-off spot due to Nations League results: Croatia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Serbia
Cannot finish in top two of group: Andorra, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Gibraltar, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Northern Ireland, North Macedonia, Norway, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Sweden

The Netherlands need a win in Amsterdam on Saturday against Ireland to qualify (2:45 p.m. kick-off) in Group B. In Group D, Armenia needs to beat Wales on Saturday to stay alive, while a Welsh win keeps them on track for qualification (3 p.m. kick-off). Meanwhile, Croatia needs to beat Latvia to stay alive or perhaps move into second above Wales (noon kick-off).

Meanwhile Denmark and Slovenia are tied for first in Group H and play each other on Friday, November 17 at 2:45 p.m. with the winner qualifying for EURO 2024. A draw would mean qualification will have to wait until the final group day on Monday, November 20, where third place Kazakhstan will travel to Slovenia while Denmark visits Northern Ireland.

Let’s look at the defending European Champion Italian squad. The Azzurri’s two losses to a high quality England side were disappointing, but not totally unexpected considering there is a new manager in charge and Italia is still finding itself a bit.

The dropped points in the 1-1 draw with North Macedonia (yes, those pesky guys again) in their first match-up has created a situation where the Azzurri must win at least one of their final two qualifying matches, while perhaps needing a draw in the other. The first is in Rome on Friday, November 17 against the North Macedonians at 2:45 p.m. (writing this country’s name is getting annoying) and then in Leverkusen, Germany against Ukraine on Monday, November 20 at 2:45 p.m.

Ideally, Italia beats North Macedonia and then would require a draw or win against Ukraine. However, a loss in the first match doesn’t eliminate the Azzurri. Being only three points behind the Ukrainians, they could still win on Monday and go through. It’s a complicated system (hahaha).

In a previous column, I mentioned the back door option for Italia to qualify via the playoffs should they fail to pick up the requisite points, but let’s not think about that today.

I won’t make a prediction, I will leave it at: Andiamo Ragazzi! Forza Italia!

All European Qualifiers are available to stream on DAZN Canada. Meanwhile, full standings, permutations and other pertinent info is available at European Qualifiers.