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- March 17th Edition
March 17th Edition
CanMNT are back in action, Whitecaps continue their magic & CanWNT to face Argentina in BC
It’s a CanMNT match week for the first time in 2025, and all eyes will be on whether or not they can write their names in the history books and lift the Concacaf Nations League trophy for the first time.
The Vancouver Whitecaps continued their magic this week advancing to the Champions Cup quarters after stunning favourites CF Monterrey on the road.
Finally, an eventful week in Canadian footy also saw CanWNT announcing two matches on home soil next month, Olivia Smith balling out in England, another exciting dual-national for CanMNT and more in this edition of The Northern Pitch.
In this week's edition:
CanMNT
🇨🇦 Can Canada become Kings of Concacaf again?
Canada Soccer
It’s straight to business for the Canadian men’s national team as they kick-off for the first time in 2025 on Thursday.
They do so with a continental semi-final against Mexico at AT&T Stadium in Los Angeles (Thursday @ 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT, OneSoccer) in the 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League.
Canada are unbeaten against El Tri in their last three meetings, including a 0-0 draw in a friendly in September where Canada looked like the better side, and Mexico barely clawed into the semi-final after needing to come from behind to beat Honduras in the quarter-final.
But history still likely makes Canada the underdogs. The CanMNT have defeated Mexico just twice in the past 34 years, and have lost 24 of 38 all-time meetings. So does the circumstances, likely to be heavily pro-Mexican crowd at AT&T Stadium in Los Angeles.
Still, Canada will be incredibly inspired to go out and get what would be a big result. There is no doubt that even though they respect and understand the challenge that Mexico presents, they will dream of a final against the United States on Sunday.
Jesse Marsch dropped his squad for the Nations League this week, and there were a few notable inclusions — as a few dual-nationals officially joined the mix. Daniel Jebbison and Promise David both received their first call-ups to the national team. This is the best attack that Canada have ever had.
Some other areas of the pitch are a little more concerning for Canada, however. Richie Laryea was called into camp, but there are some serious doubts about his health. Meanwhile, Jacob Shaffelburg, Max Crépeau and Mathieu Choinière are all returning from injury — although Choinière did play the 90 for Grasshopper this weekend.
Regardless of what side Canada rolls out, they will have every confidence they can win this tournament. CanMNT has not lifted a trophy since 2000, and this is an amazing chance for this Golden Generation to get their silverware.
Champions Cup
🌊 Whitecaps advance to Champions Cup quarters
Vancouver Whitecaps
We might as well lock in a weekly Whitecaps section at this point, because at the moment, they’re the talk of Canadian soccer.
The ‘Caps brought their magic on the road in Concacaf this week. On Wednesday night, they stunned Concacaf Champions Cup favourites CF Monterrey with a 2-2 draw in the second leg of their Round of 16 matchup — which saw them advance on away goals.
They did it all without star player Ryan Gauld, who is expected to miss a few weeks with a knee injury.
Spanish star Sergio Canales had opened the scoring just four minutes in, but the Whitecaps dug in and equalized in the 56th minute through a stunning Édier Ocampo strike before the LETHAL Brian White put them ahead in the 78th.
Sergio Ramos slotted home a controversial (to say the least) late penalty, but it wasn’t enough to rescue Rayados. Instead, it was another stunning result to open the season for the Caps, who are now starting to believe they can do something special this year.
The Whitecaps now advance to take on yet another Mexican giant, Pumas UNAM, starting on April 2 at BC Place. The second leg will be played April 9 at Estadio Olimpico Universitario down in Mexico City.
If they can slay yet another giant of the region, things get even more interesting. The Whitecaps would advance to play a two-legged semi-final against either LAFC, who have eliminated them from the playoffs the past two years, or Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
The good times kept rolling for the Whitecaps this weekend as well, as a Tristan Blackmon header gave them a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas on Saturday. They currently sit top of Major League Soccer with a perfect 4-0-0 record.
CanWNT
🇦🇷 CanWNT to play Argentina in BC this April
Canada Soccer
After lifting the Pinatar Cup in their first action of 2025 in February, the Canadian women’s national team are back on home soil next month for a pair of friendlies against Argentina in BC.
They take on the South American side at BC Place on Friday, April 4, before heading to the Island for a second friendly at Starlight Stadium on Tuesday, April 8.
This will also be the first home matches for new head coach Casey Stoney, who thus far has an unbeaten 2-1-0 record since taking over as CanWNT head coach.
Argentina are currently ranked 33rd in the world, and are building toward this summer’s Copa América Femenina.
Grab your tickets here.
Canucks Abroad
🌍 Canucks Abroad
Liverpool FC
🏴 Olivia Smith balled out with a brace. Liverpool hosted arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield—the perfect setting for Olivia Smith to make a statement. The CanWNT baller scored the first goal with a Mohamed Salah-like run down the wing. Needless to say, the game became one-sided as Liverpool dominated the game. Liv registered her second goal with a penalty in the 67th minute. The game ended 3-1 for Liverpool. With the two goals, Olivia Smith now has seven goals in the WSL.
🏴 Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence lift another trophy. The Blues lifted their third Women’s League Cup title this weekend—with the latter, Lawrence, being available off the bench in the final. Though the versatile Canadian didn’t feature, Chelsea ended their four-year drought with a 2-1 win against Man City with Ash being pictured with the cup after the whistle.
🍁 Is Owen Goodman the latest dual national recruit for the CanMNT? The England-born goalkeeper is a dual Canadian-Nigerian national. Owen Goodman moved to Ontario in 2009 and is currently on loan with AFC Wimbledon from Crystal Palace. Owen’s father, Phil Goodman, stated in an interview with The Athletic that his son feels more Canadian than Nigerian. Phil Goodman stated, “Canada all day long. I think he’s already made his decision.” The CanMNT are currently spoiled with forward options, but they will soon be spoiled with goalkeeping options.
🇫🇷 Jonathan David and Lille are out of the Champions League. Lille hosted Dortmund in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16. Jonathan David scored Lille’s only goal of the night in the fifth minute. Unfortunately, it would not be enough as Dortmund scored two more goals — which eliminated Lille from the competition with an aggregate scoreline of 3-2 for Dortmund.
🇩🇪 Alphonso Davies in the Champions League quarter-finals. Bayern Munich travelled to face German champions Bayer Leverkusen. Munich already commanded a comfortable 3-0 lead on aggregate before kick-off. Harry Kane opened the account in the 52nd minute, only for the England captain to assist the CanMNT captain in the 72nd minute. Bayern Munich dispatched the home side 2-0, moving on to the quarter-finals.
🇺🇸 Adriana Leon, San Diego Wave debutant. After a surprise winter move stateside, the former Aston Villa forward made her first impressions for San Diego this weekend. Leon entered in the 65th minute of an eventual 1-1 draw against California rivals Angel City, in which Kailen Sheridan and Megan Reid both also saw the pitch.
🇺🇸 Tani Oluwaseyi scored a brace. Minnesota United visited Sporting Kansas City in a thrilling 3-3 tie. Tani Oluwaseyi contributed two goals in this six-goal game. Tani’s first goal came in the 31st minute and the second in the 46th minute.
🇺🇸 Bianca St-Georges’ scored her first for Utah. It was matchday one in the NWSL and a Canadian found the back of the net in the 12th minute. Bianca St-George scored for her new club, the Utah Royals, against Bay FC.
Canucks at Home
🏡 Canucks at Home
🏟️ Atletico Ottawa signed Joaquim Coulanges and Tristan Crampton. Ottleti have signed CF Montréal academy baller Joaquim Coulanges to a two-year deal with an option for 2027 and 2028. The 18-year-old left-footed player can play full-back, wing-back and winger. Ottawa have also signed homegrown goalkeeper Tristan Crampton to the first team. Crampton, a product of the Atleti Development program, has signed with the club through 2025 with an option for 2026. The 23-year-old had spent time in various Ligue1 QC clubs and earned last season’s Golden Glove Award as Ligue1 Québec’s best goalkeeper. Only a matter of time until CF MTL come knocking.
🔱 Pacific FC signed Mattias Vales and Max Anchor. PFC have signed 17-year-old Mattias Vales to a youth development contract. Vales is eligible to make four appearances for the first time while maintaining his amateur status and to train with amateur teams. The 20-year-old goalkeeper Max Anchor has been loaned out for 2025 from the Vancouver Whitecaps to Pacific FC.
🦅 Vancouver FC signed Kevin Podgorni. VFC have signed 17-year-old Kevin Podgorni from League1 club Prostars FC. The attacking midfielder from Mississauga, Ontario, has signed with Vancouver through 2026 with an option to extend through 2028. Podgorni can play multiple positions as an attacking midfielder, winger or as a false nine.
Other news
📰 In other news
Canadian Soccer Daily
💼 Canada Soccer appointed Erin Crowe as COO and CFO. As the game continues to grow across the country, experienced executives can oversee the operational and financial growth of football in Canada. Step in, Erin Crowe. The newly hired Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial officer has over 25 years of experience in finance and sports management. Crowe had spent 20 years in executive roles with the Ottawa Senators and served as a board member with the West Ottawa Soccer Club. Erin Crowe fits the exact portfolio CEO Kevin Blue has been looking for in his quest to rebuild and restructure Canada Soccer.
🔴 Toronto FC went down in their home opener. It’s been a rough start for TFC. They hosted the Chicago Fire at BMO Field in their home opener. Things looked good early on as TFC scored the first goal in the 10th minute. Bernadeschi with a clean cross into the box and Deandre Kerr heading the ball into the net. It looked like Toronto was cooking until Chicago replied with a screamer from outside the box in the 29th minute. Chicago scored the final goal of the game in the 44th minute, ending the game 2-1 for the away team. For Toronto, their defensive woes continue to stand out as their main issue. The first goal was beautiful, but the second goal was poor marking.
🔵 CF Montréal earned their first point. Improvements aren’t always drastic. For MTL, their 0-0 draw away at DC United showed signs of improvement. Jonathan Sirois was back to his old self, making six saves and keeping the team in the game. Joel Waterman has emerged as a worthy captain in defence. The 17-year-old academy graduate Aleksandr Guboglo looked like a senior pro baller. Prince Owusu, Fabian Herbers and Jalen Sealy were the standout outfield players of the night. Good signs.
🤔 Will Québec City have a CPL franchise? CPL commissioner Mark Noonan and League VP of infrastructure Marni Dicker travelled to Québec City. Both CPL executives met with Mayor Bruno Marchand to secure a potential location for a soccer-specific stadium. Dicker has stated that QC City has shared four or five potential stadium sites. Specific locations remained undisclosed. The purpose of the CPL’s trip to Québec City is to secure a location instead of having private developers lock down a location. They’re leaving nothing to chance and expediting the process of constructing a stadium if an investor were to step in.
✅ Northern Picks
This week’s picks come from Dez Smee (@dez.the.barber). He’s the owner of Boombox Barbershop in Vancouver, the official clubhouse of Sunset Beach FC.
🎧 What to listen to
Recently I’ve been bumping a lot of Oakland, Bexblu and Hayez. They all take samples from iconic Risky Roadz episodes of Skepta, Wiley and JME and pairing them with their own lo-fi, soulful beats. Chefs kiss. Footy wise, I was happy to see Specs, Tego and Miles re-unite from Filthy on their new podcast From My Left. It's basic I know but The Overlap is a regular watch as well. Maybe a skip if Roy Keane's not on the panel tho.
✅ Who to follow
For me, @trekuartista95 has the best captions on footy socials — no disrespect to Versus. @jeoanjoao does really good work. If you ever see me with one of his paintings, just know life is good. @kasiflavour10 are doing cool things and paying homage to the roots of South African Football culture through storytelling and vintage knitted remakes.
🛒 What to buy
@footysweats and @58deal have some rare pieces and full vintage trackies to casually wear for when you're tired of rocking just Kits. Shoutout the legend Pej @onekitaday as well. Crazy collection of all things footy.