August 21st Edition

Happy Monday! Spain are the champions of the World despite a controversy with their federation after a 1-0 victory over England. The real winner, however, might be our collective sleep schedules.

For Canada, eyes now turn to next month’s crucial pair of Olympic qualifiers against Jamaica. It looks like Toronto’s BMO Field is nearly sold out for the home leg on September 26.

As always, this past week was one filled with drama, debate and even a few darbies. All that and more ahead!

The latest episode of the Canadian soccer soap opera dropped this week, and this time it was an ambitious crossover edition with another great comedy of errors: Toronto FC.

The last reports from multiple sources suggest that Toronto FC has met with Canadian men’s national team head coach John Herdman to discuss him swapping ‘Les Rouges’ for ‘The Reds’. The level of formality in the talks ranges depending upon which source you rea , but what is clear is that they did happen, and Herdman’s name is at least in the race.

This after another week of turmoil within the program where the CanMNT players again voiced their public displeasure. This time it was with to do with news that Canada was unable to secure a friendly for this upcoming September international window.

A lack of preperation has been a consistent gripe of Herdmans, especially in the lead up to the Concacaf Nations League finals. Despite a recent raise in pay, not to mention the success he has had with this team and the upcoming 2026 World Cup at home, is Herdman starting to get fed up with all the drama behind the scenes?

Regardless, this would be a bit of an odd move for him. One that would get him more money for sure, but one where he inherits a rather broken roster while also potentially angering Canadian footy fans. It isn’t the first time Herdman has been linked with a move away from the national team either, as strong rumours emerged after the World Cup that he would be taking over the New Zealand national team.

Herdman is far from the only coach being considered for the job. Bill Manning is believe to have been rejected by the MLSE board in his attempt to make former QPR and Glascow Rangers manager Mark Warburton the side’s next hire. Meanwhile, Forge FC’s Bobby Smyrniotis and former Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson.

🇮🇹 Evelyne Viens signs with AS Roma. The Olympic gold medallist joins famous no sponsor I Giallorossi outfit at the ancient Italian capital. Viens signed a three-year contract with Roma from Swedish club Kristianstads DFF. This is beautiful, more Canadians on the move top clubs and leagues in Europe. With Roma being a top three club in Serie A Femminile, odds of Evelyne Viens picking up a medal is high. Pour nos lecteur francophone, voici un lien français.

🇨🇦 The Canadian Women’s U-17 side announced their roster for the Concacaf U-17 Championship, which begins on August 25. The squad includes rising star baller Annabelle Chukwu, and twin sister Isabelle. Anabelle recently scored four goals for Canada at the U-20 Championship, and will look to play an even bigger role for the U-17 side. Canada are in a group with Dominica, Guyana and Bermuda. Canada has qualified for the last seven World Cup tournaments at this level, including a fourth place finish at the 2018 competition in Uraguay. The two Concacaf tournament finalists will qualify for the 2024 World Cup, joining hosts Dominican Republic.

🇸🇦 Yassine Bounou joins Neymar at Al Hilal. Montréal habibi on the move. Last we heard, Bounou was one of the main targets of Real Madrid. However, the Spanish heavyweights opted for Chelsea’s Basque goalie Kepa. As a result, Al Hilal signed the Moroccan international on a three-year contract. Joining Neymar to the Saudi club. Instead of Real Madrid Bounou jerseys being flaunted in MTL, we excpect to see Al Hilal jerseys with both Neymar and Bounou being flossed in the city of saints.

🏆 Kamal Miller picks up the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami and rookie star Messi. With the inaugural season of the Leagues Cup come to an end, Inter Miami are crowned champions over Nashville SC. Cool guy Messi opened the scoresheet with another banger, registering his 7th goal in 10 games. Nashville’s Fafa Picault lveling the game at the 57th minute. Resulting in Inter Miami winning in pens. Kamal Miller among the shooters to score in the shoutouts. Kmillz becomes the first Canadian to win the Leagues Cup. His move from MTL is already paying dividends.

🇩🇪 Alphonso Davies sets up Harry Kane’s first Bayern goal. Davies started the Bundesliga season strong registering two assists against Werder Bremen. Notably, setting up an assist for England Captain Harry Kane. It is worth noting that Harry Kane’s Tottenham dynamic partner, Son Heung-Min, plays down the left-wing. At left fullback, we expect to see a thriving Phonzy and Kane link up play this season. Sorry Sonny, Kane left you for Canada’s greatest.

🇫🇷 Jonathan David opens his goal scoring account this season. Gameday 2, and JD registers a goal against FC Nantes. The Ottawa export is making a statement in this new season of Ligue1. With Tottenham looking at Gift Orban and even Romelu Lukaku, JD seems to have fallen out of favour with the North London club. If the young striker is still looking for a move to the Prem, expect David to go all out this season. This may be his last year in France and he will be making a statement. Also, Mourinho’s AS Roma looking at JD. That’s a move we would love to see.

🇧🇪 Speaking of starting the season hot, Tajon Buchanan started this season strong. Club Brugge destroyed RWD Molenbeek 7-1 at home. Ouch. Among the goalscorers was Brampton’s Tajon registering a goal. Making it his third goal in seven games. With rumoured links to Inter Milan and Burnley, this would be season to reignite those rumours and to look for a move to a bigger league. Canadian ballers creeping into elite European leagues.

📞 Alistair Johnston versus Bell equal clutch Celtic fans. We all had to deal with major phone companies. Most of the time, such experiences are some of the most inconvenient first world problems. Nonetheless, inredibly annoying. For the Canadian international AJ, he has hit out against Bell and has posted his frustration on his insta story. In response, the bhoys in green showed up for AJ. In response by bombarding the comment section of Bell Canada. The banter is top shelf. Celtic fans continue to be undefeated at Celtic Park and online.

🇸🇪 Meanwhile in Sweden, Marco Bustos scores again for IFK Värnamo. This is the third goal of the season for the former Pacific FC player. IFK Värnamo currently sit in 10th place in Allsvenskan. The top -tier of Swedish football.

🇪🇸 Diyaeddine Abzi confirms loan to Leganes. After spending a year with Ligue 2 side Pau FC, York United’s fullback confirms move to La Liga 2 side CD Leganes. A great move for the young Montrealer.

🇳🇱 Charles-Andreas Brym scores a brace against Feyenoord in Rotterdam darby. The young Montrealer has registered two-goals against Dutch heavyweights Feyenoord for his current club Sparta Rotterdam.

🔱 Pacific FC pick up Jalen Watson from TFC 2. The 23-year-old from Mississauga will be loaned out to Pacific until the end of 2023. Jalen signed MLS NEXT PRO contract in March 2023 and has played in two games for TFC2. This opportunity to play professional ball with Pacific will be pivotal in his development and growth as a young player. Overall a good move for both club and player.

🔵 401 DARBY or Le Classique? Canada’s greatest darby is back. TFC hosted etertnal rivals CF Montréal at BMO Field in a 5-goal thriller. MTL lead the first half 2-0 through impressive Jules-Anthony Vilsaint, Kwadwo “Mahala” Opoku and Mathieu Choinière. The second half saw dramatic moments. Two banger goals from Berna-boy-Deschi, red card for Raoul Petratta and Choi Choi putting away the penalty. This game had everything people wanted: High scoreline, bangers, red cards, brilliant individual moments and overall entertaining. This time around, CFM walk away with a 3-2 win over TFC. MTL has won every 401 DARBY/Canadian Classique this MLS season.

🌊 Vancouver Whitecaps hosted the San Jose Earthquakes at BC Place. The ‘Caps latest marquee signing Richie Laryea was featured in the starting lineup with Sam Adekugbe started on the bench. Meanwhile former Whitecap Michael Baldisimo started for San Jose, while Ayo Akinola came off the bench towards the end of the game. Unfortunately for the ‘Caps, this game ended 1-0 in favour for the Earthquakes with the goal scored by Christian Espinoza.

🏟️ Meanwhile in the CPL, business as usual. Let’s start in Winnipeg as Valour hosted Atletico Ottawa. Things have not been the best for Valour as of late. As they lose at home 3-1 to Ottawa. Two particular notes about this fixture: Ollie Basset is still the truth and there’s always a screamer in the CPL every week. Ottawa’s #10 continues to impress with a brace against Valour and this banger of a freekick. While Valour’s Marcello Polisi scored an absolute screamer. Wow.

🦅 Salish Sea Darby? Vancouver hosted Pacific FC at home in Langley. This was a 5-goal thriller with VFC walking away with three points in a 3–2 victory. Pacific played intricate football along with incredible individual moments, but Vancouver grinded away to win through sheer will power. This match also saw perhaps the save of the season by Callum Irving. Incredible play by Pacific but an even better save by the VFC goalkeeper.

⚓️ In-form Halifax Wanderers travelled to Hamilton in a 1-all draw against Forge. This was a tight game. Halifax held onto a 1-0 lead until a late game freekick banger by Forge’s Béni Badibanga. Freekick dips is what we need anyday.

🐎 Last game of the weekend saw Cavalary host York United at ATCO Field. The Calgary club defeated York United 2-1 with goals from Ali Musse and William Akio. Despite the loss, Clément Bayiha’s goal is clinical closer range banger that’s worth noting.

André Varty is a Hamilton-based mix-media artist who specializes in photography and graphic design. His work has previously appeared in DARBY Magazine.

📺 What to watch

Ever since Tagwa put me on, the SE Dons FC YouTube channel has become one of the many constants in my life. Hailing from South London, this Sunday League football team is pure entertainment. Every week they upload their full matches with commentary that will have you cry, laugh and give a behind the scenes look into how this team operates. They have fostered an incredible community and are the perfect viewing option if you’re looking to keep the footy going in between the big league matches. ANYTHING 4 THE DONS!

🎧 What to listen to

While we’re all familiar with the Athletic and the great reporting that they do on football, I’ve recently been taking the time to delve into their podcast series and have found myself delighted by their catalogue. Whether you’re just looking to hear them discuss the latest news in the world of football, they also offer a number of great team specific podcasts that give you an in depth look into your favourite Premier League team. To my fellow Gooners, tap into “Handbrake Off” on Fridays and Mondays for some fantastic reporting and discussions surrounding our beautiful club.

✅ Who to follow

I’m a sucker for great graphic tees and footy inspired fashion, so if you’re just like me I highly recommend giving these brands a follow on Instagram. @orangepeelfc has produced some stellar graphic tees in the past and while he has recently taken a break recently to focus on his main @_jpco, I just know that he’s sure to come out with some more heat in the future and it will be worth copping. Another one worth mentioning is @calcio.mia who has also been crafting some insanely great graphic tees and should be on your radar.