We’re on the board!

Canada picked up a historic first point at a men’s World Cup on Friday in a 1-1 draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina after a dramatic Cyle Larin equalizer in Toronto.

Now, all eyes turn to the West Coast for arguably the biggest game in Canadian men’s national team history to date on Thursday at BC Place.

Plus, Janine Sonis and the CanWNT balled out, plenty of action across Canada’s leagues and more in this week’s edition of The Northern Pitch.

The opening match did not disappoint. An energetic opening ceremony, loud Bosnian fans and a stadium that was 80% red, the vibe of Canada’s opening game will forever be remembered. Despite the 1-1 draw, the boys showed resilience against a stubborn Bosnian side.

Bosnia showed wisdom and discipline. Bosnia’s game plan was fairly simple: be patient and capitalize on Canadian mistakes. They worried the home side with every counter-attack and scored a goal off their first corner, while the CanMNT enjoyed 9 corners but converted none. Bosnia showed experience and calm, but seemed to lack the eagerness to press the attack.

Canada’s high line got us worried. The CanMNT exposed Bosnia’s back line, revealing gaps and pockets in their defence. However, despite the chances created, they were unable to convert opportunities meaningfully. With a high press, Bosnia waited for a Canadian turnover and went on the counter. Canada’s strength is also its weakness. However, Cyle Larin profited from Jesse Marsch’s high line.

Cyle Larin, take a bow. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Cyle Larin started on the bench and later came on for Tani Oluwaseyi. A decisive pass from Promise David to feed Larin, in which he calmly turned on his defender and found the net. Larin eased the supporters' anxiety, and this reporter went temporarily deaf from the noise.

A big one point. Many would have relished a three-point win in the opening game. This is a Bosnia team that has defeated Wales and Italy to reach the World Cup. They are tough, and they proved it. For Canada, this is their first-ever point at the World Cup, and they are in a situation where they can grow from here.

Toronto Stadium, wow. The fans were incredible. The stadium, with all the banners covering the exterior, made the venue feel like a proper park. If MLSE can make those temporary stands permanent, BMO Field can be a world-class stadium. That game against Bosnia fostered an environment that felt special. What a game.

Next up. Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday. It’s must win. After Qatar took a point off Switzerland, Canada has a very good chance to top the group, but they have to beat Qatar, or things will get really difficult for them. It’s there for the taking.

Want to watch a Canadian team that can score goals?

Look no further than the Canadian women’s national team, who were in action against Costa Rica in a friendly on Tuesday—their last before the vital Concacaf W Championship in November.

Canada dropped six on Costa Rica in the match, a 6-0 victory. Evelyne Viens scored just eight minutes into the match, before Janine Sonis added a natural hat-trick with goals in the 40th, 54th and 78th minutes.

It was a big day for the Sonis (Beckie) family, as earlier in the day, her brother Drew earned his first win as a professional head coach as the interim for Atlético Ottawa in the CPL.

Goals from Jordyn Huitema and Jasmine Alidou rounded out the scoring against 10-player Costa Rica, who were given a red card following an ugly hair-pulling incident in the box.

Honestly, Canada could have had even more during a dominant performance that is sure to boost the confidence of the group.

Next up is Panama on November 28th in the Concacaf W Championship Quarter-final. Win that, and they book a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. They then meet either Mexico or Haiti in the semis.

Win that, and they book a spot in the Olympics as well.

🦖 Atlético Ottawa came back against Supra. Things were going so well for Supra. They finished the half with a 3-1 lead and looked to be in complete control at TD Place. The 2025 champs responded with experience and took the game to Supra’s defence as they came back and ended the game in a 5-3 win. This was a harsh lesson for Supra in how to keep a lead.

🔨 Forge grind out a win. The Hammers hosted the Halifax Wanderers at Hamilton Stadium. It was a balanced match between both teams as they struggled to truly expose each other or finish their chances. Brian Wright scored the only goal off a saved rebound from Halifax’s keeper Marco Carducci. The game ended 1-0 for Forge.

🐴 Inter Toronto thumped at home. This was a tough one for Inter Toronto as they were defeated 1-5 by Cavalry at home. Despite enjoying the majority of ball possession, the Cavs finished every chance that came before them. The only goal Inter Toronto were able to register was an own goal from Cavalry’s Levi Laing.

🦅 Vancouver FC go back-to-back. After struggling to find wins all year, Vancouver came from behind to beat Pacific FC 2-1 at home to pick up two straight wins and put themselves one point out of the playoffs ahead of the break. Luis Toomey scored the winner on an amazing solo effort.

The CPL will be on break for the World Cup group stage and returns June 26th!

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🌊 Halifax sees out Calgary with ten. Halifax got back in the driver’s seat this week, following a brief international break. Julia Benati scored for a second straight match and Saorla Miller made it 3 goals in 3 games, providing a first-half cushion for Tides to hold on for the 2-0 win after Synne Moe was sent off in the 48th minute.

401 Derby drama. After losing their undefeated streak just before the international break to Vancouver, Montréal came within three minutes of going back-to-back. AFC Toronto tried and tried and in the 68th minute, Lauren Rowe finally broke through to split the deadlock. However, Lisa Pechersky rescued a point for the Roses, making it a 1-1 draw in the 94th minute.

Ottawa go top of the league. With the Roses playing to their second draw of the season, that left the door open for Ottawa, who started the day in 2nd and two points back. DB Pridham was unstoppable in this one after Jess De Filippo equaled Lee Min-a in the first half — and especially after stepping up to the spot after Kennedy Faulknor’s second-half red card for DOGSO in the 3-1 finish.

Thursday, June 18
Halifax Tides vs. Vancouver Rise (11AM AT @ Wanderers Grounds)

Sunday, June 21
Ottawa Rapid vs. AFC Toronto (12PM ET @ TD Place)
Montréal Roses vs. Calgary Wild (2PM ET @ Stade Boréale)

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