August 26th Edition

European ball is up and running across the continent and our weekend mornings have just got a whole lot more fun.

Be it a number of the lads out in France, the CanWNT ballers in Division 1 Féminine, the FA WSL, Phonzie in Germany or plenty more Canucks Abroad, we could not be more excited to bring you the best stories each week in The Northern Pitch.

This week, some exciting dual national news for CanMNT, another CanWNT player involved in a blockbuster NWSL move, a home friendly at last for CanMNT (with more on the way?) and more, all below!

In this week's edition:

• 🇨🇦 Niko Sigur chooses Canada

• 💜 Janine Beckie to Racing Louisville

• 🌍 Canucks Abroad

• 🏡 Canucks at Home

• 📰 Other News

• ✅ Northern Picks

CanMNT

🇨🇦 Sigur joins CanMNT as other key dual nationals rumoured to be coming soon

CanMNT coach Jesse Marsch hasn’t quite been in the public eye in the same way as when he first returned to Canada after the Copa América. But it’s clear that behind the scenes he has still been grinding.

A key priority for him over the past few months has been identifying and speaking with dual nationals in light of Canada’s recent Copa América performances — and with a big home World Cup on the horizon.

By all accounts, it seems as though that recruitment is going well. Earlier this week, the Croatian FA released a statement saying that 20-year-old Niko Sigur was filing a one-time switch and committing his international future to the Canadian men’s national team.

Sigur, who was born in Burnaby, is a right-back/defensive midfielder who has been playing for the Croatian youth national team after an outstanding first two campaigns with Hadjuk Split in the Croatian First Division. Sigur also previously spent a season with York University in U SPORTS, taking home an OUA silver medal with the Lions.

He instantly brings quality and composure in a key position in midfield for Canada, and could quickly prove himself to be an important player for Canada in the middle of the park — where there is already quality but perhaps a lack of depth.

This one is a little less scientific but could be just as impactful: AFC Bournemouth striker Daniel Jebbison has started following Canada Soccer, and Marsch on Instagram, and unfollowed the English FA for whom he played all of his youth national team ball, including at the 2023 U-20 World Cup. A 21-year-old from Oakville who was the youngest player in Prem history to score in his first start, Jebbison would add some significant class to Canada’s striker ranks.

Another exciting attacker who is rumoured to be joining the cause is Santiago López, who plays for Pumas UNAM. The 19-year-old has reportedly been called up for Canada’s September camp, where he could face his birth country of Mexico. Having represented both Canada and El Tri at the youth level, López has scored six goals in seven games for Canada U-20.

What is exciting—beyond the obvious talent of these players—is the age and potential of all of them. If they continue to progress in their respective careers they can be key members of the national team for many years to come.

The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke, meanwhile, is reporting that Canada Soccer are also in conversation with MLS-based brothers Jared and Peter Stroud. Jared is a 28-year-old playmaking winger who currently plays for D.C. United, while his brother Peter, 22 is a US youth international defensive midfielder who currently plays for the New York Red Bulls.

There are some other exciting names as well who could potentially work their way into the mix, like 23-year-old striker Promise David who recently scored his first goal in the Belgian First Division, or 19-year-old Jamie Knight-Lebel who is on loan at Crewe Alexandra in England right now. Of course, Burnley winger Luca Koleosho remains a dream get for the national team, but that one looks like it might be further down the line if ever.

Regardless, there could be quite a few new faces putting on the red and white over the next few months, and that is exciting for a national team that is only on the up-and-up.

CanWNT

💜 Janine Beckie in blockbuster NWSL trade

Another week, another Canadian on the move in NWSL. 

This time, it’s Janine Beckie, who has been traded from the Portland Thorns to Racing Louisville FC. The 30-year-old spent the past the past three seasons with Portland, but missed the entire 2023 season with injury.

She won the 2022 NWSL Championship with Portland, who she joined that season from Manchester City. She has also previously played in NWSL with Sky Blue FC (Now Gotham FC), and the Houston Dash before heading abroad to join City.

With Canada, Beckie won the 2021 Gold Medal, and a bronze in 2016. She has scored 36 times for Canada, which is fifth all-time.

Louisville will be hoping Beckie can be a big boost for them, as they currently sit two points outside of the playoff positions. They have never qualified for the NWSL playoffs in their three-year existence. They also feature former Canadian national team Carmelina Moscato as an assistant coach.

Best of luck to the DARBY Issue 3 cover star in her new home!

Canucks Abroad

🌍 Canucks Abroad

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Alistair Johnston scored his first goal of the season. Celtic travelled to St. Mirren and handed the home side a 3-0 defeat. The CanMNT full-back found the back of the net in the 70th minute, scoring Celtic’s third goal.

🇫🇷 Moïse Bombito debuts for Nice. Bombito not only made his debut, he also featured in the starting XI for the southern French club. However, it was a baptism by fire as it was clear the young CB still needs time to adapt. Keep in mind, Bombito only has 35 professional appearances. Despite the challenges, his stats demonstrate a decent showing. Nice tied against Toulouse 1-1.

🇩🇪 Alphonso Davies starts Bayern’s season opener. After all the summer transfer rumours of a potential move to Real Madrid, it was business as usual. The left-back was named to Vincent Kompany’s first BuLi XI, going the full 90’ in a 3-2 win over Wolfsburg.

🇫🇷 Jonathan David could sign a new deal with Lille. Are you getting tired of JD transfer news? Us too, but here we are. JD spoke to Canal+ after a Champions League qualifying match and had mentioned his future in northern France. Expressing that he could remain in Lille for the rest of the season or even for a longer time. We shall see.

🇨🇦 Santiago Lopez to CanMNT? The Concacaf U20 Championship may have been a pivotal moment for Santiago Lopez’s career. Despite CanM20 being knocked out in the quarter-finals, Lopez earned a spot in the tournament’s best XI. Moreover, the 19-year-old has been gaining more game time with Pumas UNAM in Liga MX since January. He has proven himself to be a burgeoning talent, and it has been reported that Jesse Marsch is keen on calling him up for friendlies against the US and Mexico. Adding Niko Sigur and Santiago Lopez to the CanMNT is a big statement to the growth of Canadian soccer. We’re feeling good.

🇭🇷 Jovan Ivanisevic makes a first-team debut in Croatia. There was also good news for a fellow U20 team member this week. A former Toronto FC product and June call-up to the U20s, the 19-year-old centre-back would play the first half for Istra, picking up a booking in a 1-1 draw against Niko Sigur’s Hajduk.

🇮🇹 Lysianne Proulx to Italy? A rumour has emerged that Juventus are interested in signing Bay FC keeper Proulx. Juve are pursuing the Canadian as a second goalkeeper.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Jamie Knight-Lebel started for Crewe Alexandra. The Montréal-born defender has started for the League Two club in a 0-0 draw against Swindon Town. He is currently on a season-long loan from Bristol City. The 19-year-old CB has been featured in the CanM20 and has been named on the CanMNT provisional roster for the 2024 Copa America. Knight-Lebel is a dual national as he is eligible for Canada and Wales. Another young talent that Canada Soccer can potentially bring into the fold.

🇧🇪 Kwasi Poku’s RWDM debut to wait. Many fans were hopeful that the 21-year-old would have a chance to feature on Sunday against Lommel, RWDM’s first game since a CPL-record transfer from Forge was made official. Those fans would be disappointed though, with the attacker not named to the matchday squad.

🍁 CanWNT in preseason. This week also featured summer tune-up action ahead of the start of the season across women’s leagues in Europe. Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence featured in a pair of friendlies for Chelsea, now under Sonia Bompastor after Emma Hayes’ departure for the US job. Évelyne Viens also picked up an assist for Roma against Bilbao in the summer Women’s French Cup tourney.

🇵🇹 Supercup silverware. Despite not featuring due to a preseason injury, Megane Sauvé’s Sporting career starts with a trophy. In a Darby de Lisboa final, Sporting defeated Marie-Yasmine Alidou and Chandra Davidson’s Benfica, 2-1, to lift the Supertaça. Certainly enjoying the early trophy hauls for our Canucks Abroad.

Follow Canucks Abroad on Twitter and Instagram.

Canucks at Home

🏡 Canucks at Home

🇵🇦 Canada to host Panama in a friendly. A busy end to 2024 continues to fill out for the CanMNT. Canada Soccer announced this week that the MNT will be returning to Toronto on October 15 against FIFA #35-ranked Panama. They also confirmed a search for a second opponent for the October FIFA window ahead of Nations League quarter-final action in November, with Toronto named the host for the second leg.

🏆 Leagues Cup glory. As much as the tournament has been in the bad graces of supporters across the continent, Canadians still balled out. One Jacen Russell-Rowe, in particular, would put the trophy on ice for Columbus, scoring an insurance goal in the final minute of second-half stoppage time. Mo Farsi, set for a one-time switch to Algeria, would lift the trophy alongside JRR and head coach Wilfried Nancy.

Follow Canucks at Home on Twitter and Instagram.

Other News

📰 In other news this week

🔵 Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty and Caden Clark make their MTL debut. It feels like a minute since CFM played at Stade Saputo. The home side hosted last-placed New England Revolution. It was a night to forget for the new guys. Offensively, MTL had moments of beautiful and inspiring football. But defensively, there was a lot to be desired. Caden Clark proved to be a certified baller and immediately won the admiration of the supporters. Jahkeele earned the trust of the team and played the full game. Truth be told, this was a disastrous game for CFM. New England played superior football, which totally exposed the MTL backline. Montrealers started exiting 20 minutes before full-time. The game ended 5-0. Ultras and supporters are unhappy, and the drama continues at Stade Saputo.

🔴 Meanwhile Toronto was vibing in Texas. The Reds travelled south to Houston in a competitive fixture. Houston presented challenges with effective build-up play and creating chances in final third. However, they were unlucky in finishing. The front-three combination of Oso, Prince and Etienne Jr proved be an effective attacking force in the second half. With Prince Owusu scoring the only goal from a Bernardeschi corner in the 53rd minute. Unlike CF MTL, TFC are feeling themselves this weekend.

🔨 It was an even night at York Lions. When we say even, we mean not much happened. On the surface, it was not the most exciting game but it was an evenly matched game. The stats alone reveal a balanced game that was heavy on the attack. York United had 11 shots while Forge had 12. The game may have ended 0-0, it had moments of exciting attacking plays.

⚓️ Late game drama in Halifax. It was another tight game where both sides were unable to finish their opportunities. Ottleti dominated in terms of chances. They produced the most chances and were dangerous on the counter. HFX held 58% of possession but only had 1/7 shots on target. The first goal finally came in the 91st minute for Ottawa by Samuel Salter. But the real drama came in the 94th minute when Manny Aparicio conceded a penalty with a bad tackle in the box. Daniel Nimick converted the pen. The game ended 1-1.

🐎 Cavalry FC joined in on the late game drama. Pacific FC travelled to ATCO Field to face off against Calgary club. Despite holding a 0-0 scoreline for the majority of the match, Cavalry dominated the game. The Cavs held the majority of the possession and out shot the visitors. Although, Pacific were dangerous on the counter. The game ended with a stoppage time goal coming from defender Daan Klomp.

🦅 The battle of the VFCs. Valour and Vancouver would cap off at Princess Auto Stadium — where we would see for the third time this weekend, late action to decide the result. But first, a rare first-half goal this week would start the scoring, with Gaby Bitar opening for the Eagles on the half-hour. Fast forwarding to 69th minute, when James Cameron would receive a (not nice) second booking… but it would take until the 87th minute for ex-Eagle Shaan Hundal to answer back. Not to be outdone, Vancouver’s newest addition, Ayman Sellouf, would pick out the bottom corner after dribbling out of a phone box for a 97th-minute winner, making it a 2-1 win for the visitors.

✅ Northern Picks

This week’s picks come from Gerald Nino—aka GsVisions, aka NINO. He’s a multidisciplinary artist based on Montréal focused on sports and event photography. He also DJs at various clubs in the city—notably Apt200.

🎧 What to listen to

As a Montrealer, I need to support local. I’m lucky that I have homies that I repeatedly listen to like Kraze Delarosa. If you’re into R&B and Hip Hop, you’ll definitely enjoy his music. (Spotify, Apple Music)

🎽 What to buy

Theres many brands in my closet that I rock on a daily basis like Ringleaders (founded by @Angelo_RFC). I’ve had the chance to purchase his FSML jersey and the innovative mesh bib that turns into a tote bag!

✅ Who to follow

A team on the rise I recommend to keep an eye on are @csstlaurent_pro & @csstlaurent. Players from this system have made it to the MLS, CPL & now in Europe such as Ismael Koné, Moise Bombito, Loic Kwemi, Safwane Mlah, Jefferson Alphonse and many more coming!