June 26th Edition

But there is plenty of time for both national teams and its players to turn things around. That starts this week, with the Concacaf Gold Cup — which begins on Tuesday at Toronto FC’s BMO Field. With it comes another solid chance for Canada to end their 23 year trophy drought, and lift the Gold Cup for the first time since 2000.

Plus some big moves and rumours for key Canadian players ahead of what promises to be a busy few months of transfer news for some of the country’s top players.

Here are the biggest headlines, stories (and maybe a rant or two) from this week in Canadian footy.

After a disappointing defeat and performance in the 2023 Concacaf Nations League final against the United states, there isn’t much time for the Canadian men’s national team to lick their wounds. Another major continental trophy is on the line, starting on Tuesday as they host Guadaloupe at BMO Field.

Canada’s group also includes Guatamala (who they play on Canada Day in Houston) and Cuba (on July 4, also in Houston) — and they will be heavy favourites to top the group. After that, Canada are likely to face the runners up in Group A, which could mean a difficult test against either the United States or Jamaica. The final will be played on July 16 at SoFi Stadium in California. All matches will be available on OneSoccer.

John Herdman also announced his Gold Cup roster this past week, and it is perhaps unsurprisingly missing a lot of star power as Canada will be without Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Ismaël Kone, as well as now retired Atiba Hutchinson.

Joining in their place are a few new faces, including dual national and Portland Timbers defender Zach McGraw, Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ali Ahmed and young Columbus Crew striker Jacen Russell-Rowe.

On some of the players left off that roster? Our guy Jason Gisoo Kim has some thoughts….

Heads up, the following is a rant by Gisoo. Specifically Herdman’s exclusion of in-form Joel Waterman, Jonathan Sirois and Mathieu Choinière. I’ll attempt to keep this concise and somehow diplomatic. I’ve never questioned John Herdman, they should honestly build a statue of him adjacent to the Eternal Flames at Parliament Hill. But after a poor Nations League Final and the announcement of the Gold Cup roster. I scratched my head. Where were the CF Montréal players?

Mathieu Choinière has been the most in-form player for MTL this year. He has become the beating engine of the squad, a pure #8 that hustles on defense and transitions into attack with pace and clinical long balls. Mathieu’s performance against Nashville on Wednesday is a perfect demonstration of his season. Constantly creating chances for Sunusi Ibrahim and Chinonso Offor while playing off Bryce Duke. On top of that, always running back to defend. Best example of his defensive work rate came at the 50th minute after giving away possession only to rush back and block an open shot. He’s won over Stade Saputo not because of his Quebecois heritage but for the kind of hustle that footy fans love.

Meanwhile, do Sirois’s 9 clean sheets mean nothing? The goalkeepers are the same as Nations League, why not give Sirois experience? Not as the starting keeper but at least as second or third, so he may learn from the great Milan Borjan.

And what about Waterman, who continues to impress without his defensive partner-in-crime Kamal Miller. Zac McGraw? A provisional Portland Timbers player over Waterman? What is happening. Joel has been the most consistent player in MTL and beating heart of the defensive line. He is comfortable under pressure and is a clinical passer. Qualities in which top European clubs look for in a center-back. Above all, Waterman travelled to Qatar with the team. From what I see, Canada can benefit from a Miller-Waterman reunion.

Either way, Canada’s loss is MTL’s gain. We move forward. At the end of the day, I am not criticizing the team but questioning the selection process. If this team is a winning formula, then Herdman deserves a bouquet for his footballing IQ and understanding of team harmony. I can go on forever but you’re probably tired of reading all of this. If you want to continue down this topic, I defer to Tom Nightingale’s piece. Call me CF Montréal biased, fine, because I am but bottom line, as stated previously, if Canada lifts the Gold Cup I am happy. That’s all that matters, winning. But If Canada performs like they did at the Nations League final, questions will be asked and they will be harsh. I still have faith, but my head still itchy.

🔄 European football may be quiet during the summer, but that means it’s transfer season! Three Canadians have been making waves in this summer’s transfer window and it has us all hyped for what’s to come for their careers. Above all, this is further growth of Canadian footballers in Europe. Along with greater exposure of Canadian talents in Europe. We don’t need sticks, give us the ball.

🇵🇹 After scoring 100 goals in 129 appearances for Benfica, Cloé Lacasse is set to join Arsenal. Portgual’s Player of the Year is leaving Lisbon for North London’s Arsenal. She would be joining fellow Canadian Sabrina D’Angelo in London. The north London club will be adding firepower and experience into their roster. Lacasse will be joining Arsenal after Canada’s World Cup campaign this summer. That Arsenal versus Chelsea DARBY will be a serious game with Canada’s biggest names on the stage.

💰 Last week, Real Valladolid had finalized Cyle Larin’s transfer with the purpose of selling the forward. Now, La Liga sides Valencia and Real Betis are seeking the Canadian’s service. Larin has proven himself to be a La Liga player after a successful personal season with the now relegated Real Valladolid. Larin registering eight goals and three assists in 19 matches during his loan. Valencia are in a desperate spot after finishing 16th in La Liga. A club that has produced some of the best Spanish players ever: David Villa, David Silva and Isco to name the few. Whereas Real Betis finished 6th in La Liga and will be competing in Europa League. Betis seems to be the obvious choice. Beticos are some of the best fans in Spain.

🇩🇪 Ronan Kratt seals permanent move to Werder Bremen. The 19-year-old York United forward has sealed a move to German giants Werder Bremen after a 6-month loan. Kratt has spent his youth within the German system and came to York United in 2022 making a significant impression. With 14 appearances recording two goals and an assist. Moreover, those 14 games he featured in, York United had won seven games and drew two. Eyebrow raising. Werder Bremen have a keen eye for talent. Not for nothing, players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Mesut Ozil and Miroslav Klose have all graced Werder Bremen’s Weserstadion. Kratt is in a very good place.

⚽️ This past week, we had mid-week and weekend CPL action. This week, however, we had to highlight on particular game: last Tuesday’s Vancouver FC versus Forge FC. Why this game? Everyone loves a good underdog story. Vancouver FC defeated Forge FC 2-0 at home. Let’s be honest, Forge lost the game for themselves. Both Vancouver goals came directly from Forge’s defensive mistakes. A slip and a poor pass back sealed the game. Vancouver FC still sit bottom but three points feel like rain in a drought. Another important highlight is Vancouver’s TJ Tahid. He scored the opening goal and currently has 2 goals in 7 games. He is only 16-years-old and is the CPL’s youngest goal scorer. Vancouver FC might have a serious talent in their hands. Sorry to burst the bubble, but VFC took an 1-0 L to Valour over the weekend.

🥅 Pacific FC unveils W̱SÁNEĆ School Board’s (WSB) new mini-pitch near Brentwood Bay, BC. The new mini-pitch was donated to WSB in partnership with the CPL and Pacific FC under the #WeAreOne Community Initiative. The new pitch is located at the ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School. The unveiling brought together students, Pacific staff and players along with members of the community and school board. The field will provide a space for the youth to enjoy recreationally and also to sharpen their skills as potential future ballers. With some having links with Whitecaps academy and even Barcelona. Pacific for the community.

🔵 Académie du CF Montréal U15 reached MLS Next cup final against New York Red Bull U15. The Montréal squad were defeated 2 - 1 at Toyota Stadium in Texas. They were ranked 31st in the tournament and reached the final. Any loss is difficult to accept. However, in the grand scheme of things, Montréal’s future is feeling optimistic with a clearly talented generation coming down the pipe. With CF MTL’s Jean-Christophe Belzile winning best U15 goalkeeper of the tournament. 

💶 Jonathan David price tag set to 50-million Euros. The Lille forward wants a move to the Premier League. A logical move that the majority of football fans want to see. Last season, David scored 24 goals and 4 assists. at 23-years-old, he’s proving himself to be a serious talent and potential worthy investment for any Premier League club. Fingers crossed.

There has been some mid-week games along with this past weekend matchups in the CPL. We will quickly go over our standout games.

⚽️ York United drew at home against HFX Wanderers 2 - 2. Let’s jump right into the goal of the game, Kevin Dos Santos’s goal will make you scream in admiration and awe. The shot had pace, power, the perfect dip and it went top bins. wow.

🔨 The CPL weekend concluded in a wild affair with Forge FC hosting Atlético Ottawa. After Ottawa scored less than a minute into the match, Forge scored three straight before the half — including a couple of truly ugly Ottawa defensive plays. Atleti, however, would respond with two more of their own including a stunning free kick from Max Tissot which included celebrating in front of the Forge fans, a club he used to play for it is worth noting. Forge, however, had the last laugh as young Canadian duo Kwasi Poku and Woobens Pacius combined for a brilliant winner late in the second half. Forge 4 Ottawa 3, real winners anyone who loves chaotic football

🤕 Meanwhile in MLS, TFC continue their poor form, losing 3-0 away to league leaders Cincinnati and losing 2-1 away to New England Revolution. Suffice to say, TFC should probably scrap this season from their memory. For the optimist, have faith for a potential play-off spot. But with the current trend of things, it seems doubtful.

🔵 CF Montréal had a positive week. MTL defeated Nashville then second placed Nashville to a 1-0 result. Where’s Hany Mukhtar? Also, Waterman, Choinière and Sirois made a strong case as to why they should be on that Gold Cup roster. Herdman’s loss is Losada’s gain. CF MTL also visited the Queen City versus Charlotte FC. With the game ending nil-nil. It was not riveting football but MTL struggled on the road and a point away is good enough for now. Also, Sirois recorded his 9th clean sheet at Charlotte.

🌊 Vancouver Whitecaps continue to impress with a 3-2 win at LAFC. As stated in previous newsletter editions, Vancouver Whitecaps continue to be the only Canadian club with a real attacking plan. They attack with a purpose almost overwhelming LAFC on the break. Enough talk, watch the highlight. Thoroughly entertaining game.

📺 What to watch

Succession is over so The Bear has me occupied till further notice.

📺 What to watch

Wish I read but I never do so I’ll add another what to watch. A movie called the killing of a Chinese bookie. A film way ahead of its time.

🛍️ What to buy

Libero - a serious brand ran by a group of extremely talented people. All made in Canada.

✅ Who to follow

@ghiaiacashmere Davide is his name and he runs a brand from LA that’s made in Italy. He has impeccable taste and he’s inspiring to say the least.