April 17th Edition

Welcome to all our new subscribers! We’re so glad you’re here. It was another action-packed week in Canadian soccer with the Canadian Premier League kicking-off its 5th season and so much more.

Let’s get into it.

The weekend opened where the 2022 season ended – in the nation’s capital. Last year’s regular season champs needed more Ollie Bassett magic to secure a draw with a fresh Halifax Wanderers side, who debuted former PSG baller Lorenzo Callegari, who went around for 90 minutes doing stuff like this.

Out west, expansion side Vancouver FC played their first competitive match against inter-provincial CPL rivals Pacific FC. While the BC darby still needs a proper name, the first player to make a name for themselves was Manny Aparicio who scored a late banger and proceeded to shush the visiting supporters before the skies opened up at Starlight Stadium.

Forge and Cavalry are incapable of playing a boring match, so you should probably just watch the highlights of their 2-2 draw in Hamilton.

Finally, the weekend concluded at York Lion’s stadium, where Valour turned heads by blanking a highly rated York United side. If the first weekend is any indication, this is shaping up to be a heck of a 2023 season.

It’s that time of the year: Canadian Championship season. The 2023 edition features several teams making their debut in the competition: semi-pro sides TSS Rovers and FC Laval, as well as CPL expansion side Vancouver FC.

TSS Rovers will host Valour FC in their first CanChamp match, and should give the new-look Winnipeg side all they can handle. Watch out for Valour’s Niyongabire — the winger was a nightmare for York United in CPL’s opening weekend.

In what should be the matchup of the week, Pacific FC host Cavalry FC in a classic west coast matchup. The momentum is with Pacific FC after their opening-weekend showing, but if Miki Cantave can supply another top bins screamer it could be Cavalry coming out on top.

After losing their home opener to Valour, York United will be looking to bounce back. Luckily they’ll have another chance to win in front of their home fans against competition debutants Vancouver FC. VFC is still searching for their first goal in club history, and above all, first win. Both teams have a point to prove after losing their CPL openers. The winner gets the Whitecaps at home — as if more motivation is needed.

Three-time CPL champions Forge FC will take on the PLSQ winners FC Laval in a true baptism by fire as the westside Laval team will experience their first professional match against the CPL’s most successful club.

After facing off in the opening game of the 2023 CPL season, Atlético Ottawa and HFX Wanderers will have another shot at each other on Wednesday, in (checks notes) York, Ontario?

Finally, CF Montréal host League1 Ontario champions Vaughn SC. Kamal Miller will take on his boyhood club… oh no wait, he’s gone. Montreal have been taking L’s on and off the pitch as of late, so Vaughn Azzuri SC will need exploit MTL’s recent poor form and extensive injury list to walk away with a win at Stade Saputo. Will Raheem Rose be the man to carry Vaughn out of Montreal with a dub? We’ll find out Tuesday.

🇨🇦 Canadian women had a big weekend across the pond with Evelyne Viens, Cloe Lacasse, Vanessa Gilles, Julia Grosso (POTM) and Marie-Yasmine Alidou all getting on the board for their clubs. Viens and Lacasse we’re absolutely on fire, and Grosso scored the game winner for Juve.

🏆 Riviere, Buchanan and Fleming advance to the Women’s FA Cup Final as Manchester United will face perennial finalists Chelsea on May 14 in what will surely be an epic match.

😨 Alphonso Davies had a rare stinker in the UEFA Champions League as Bayern Munich were thrashed 3-0 by Manchester City at the Etihad. The two sides go again on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET on DAZN.

📺 Want to watch more Canadian soccer on your TV? Of course you do! OneSoccer has been in an ongoing battle with the TV duopoly that is Rogers and Bell who have claimed that domestic soccer isn’t a big enough draw to have a dedicated channel. Have your say and reach out to your provider with their new initiative OneSoccer. For All.

☀️ As mentioned above, Kamal Miller was dealt to Inter Miami this past week, returning to the state where he made his MLS debut. In exchange for Miller and 1.3 million of MLS monopoly money, Montréal received young attacking midfielder Bryce Duke and Ari Lassiter. For deeper analysis on the trade, click here.

🌹 Portlanda continues to add even more Canadian connections in the NWSL, as attacker Adriana Leon joins the club on loan from Manchester United. Christine Sinclair and Janine Beckie already play for the club, with former CanWNT goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc serving as its general manager. Portland could offer Leon key minutes ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

🇨🇦 Recent Canadian Men’s National Team debutant Kyle Hiebert continues to impress in his first MLS season. The 25-year-old central defender scored his second goal of the campaign in a 5-1 win for St. Louis City against Cincinnati. Elsewhere, Richie Laryea did Richie Laryea things for Toronto FC in a 2-2 draw with Atlanta.

🧵 New League1 BC side Nautsa’mawt FC debuted their incredible new kit and merch, designed by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny J/r. The kit also features new sponsors EA Sports FC. Stunning logo, stunning kits, 10/10. You can pick up a jersey here and follow their amazing club here.

📚 What to read

Ever wondered why football gods and G.O.A.T.S are produced in Argentina? Then check out Angel’s with Dirty Faces: How Argentinian Soccer Defined a Nation and Changed the Game Forever by Jonathan Wilson. Yes, a very long title but worth the read. The Kindle edition is available but if you come across a paperback copy you should definitely pick it up.

📺 What to watch

If you like comprehensive breakdowns of football, a silky voice and an eye for details, then check out Adrian from Rabona TV on YouTube. His channel explores football news, history, rivalries, player and manager profiles. He’s my go-to for any football subject. Did I mention he’s also from Vancouver Island?

🎧 What to listen to

If you’re looking for banter, topical footy conversations and just overall vibes, The Footy Culture podcast is for you. These boys from Vaughan are consistently putting out quality episodes with a stellar rotation of guests. Listen on Spotify or subscribe on YouTube

✅ Who to follow

Dirt fields, steep stands and sweaty nights. Koyappa Football is a sevens tournament and the definition of vibes and grassroots football in India. It’s hectic, the air looks thick and dirt pitches are a vibe of their own. Give their page a follow here.