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November 11th Edition
Cavalry reign supreme, "Dronegate" update, Nations League roster & Whitecaps bow out
It was another historic week from coast-to-coast as Cavalry FC captured their first North Star Cup at home in Calgary against perennial contenders Forge.
Canada Soccer released a “Dronegate” update, as well as the CanMNT roster for upcoming Nations League action that includes some notable returns.
On top of that, Whitecaps bow out of the MLS playoffs, Sinclair plays her final professional match, UBC dominance and so much more ahead in this week’s edition of The Northern Pitch.
In this week's edition:
CPL
🐎 Cavalry Reign Supreme
Cavalry FC
The Canadian Premier League has new winners. On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the CPL witnessed its newest champion: Cavalry FC. They are the third club to have won the North Star Cup while defeating league giants Forge FC.
Calgary has witnessed history. The home of the Flames and Stampede, this city has had many historical moments at the foot of the Rockies. Where the Plains meet the mountains, Cavalry defeated Forge FC in an enthralling 2-1 win at sold-out ATCO Field. They have made it to greener pastures.
ATCO Field is a fortress. Cavalry FC has won its last seven home games and is unbeaten in those seven. This team entered the playoffs with an unstoppable rhythm. Above all, the odds were on their side to play at home in this form.
Tobias Warschewski and Sergio Camargo eternalized. The goal scorers for the Cavs are forever immortalized in the city’s sports history. The ones that sealed the deal for Calgary. Warschewski’s penalty and Camargo’s clinical finish will be played on repeat for the rest of the year.
This was by no means a one-sided game. Despite Calvary controlling the first half, 2024 Coach of the Year Bobby Smyrniotis had other ideas in the second half. Forge came down with the hammer and applied pressure on Cavalry’s back line. Such pressure eventually led to Alexander Achinioti-Jönsson’s goal in the 52nd minute.
It was not enough for Forge. The Stampede was real, and the Hamiltonians could not halt its momentum. The Calgarians reigned supreme. Captain Marco Carducci lifted the North Star Cup in the club’s history. ATCO Field is no longer just a soccer stadium; it has become a historical monument in Albertan history.
CanMNT
🇨🇦 Nations League Roster Drop
Canada Soccer
Nations League time. Les Rouges will be back in Nations League action this month, getting their first taste of the 2024-25 edition of the competition. Unlike last year, the top four teams in the Concacaf rankings — Mexico, the USA, Panama and Canada — received a bye directly into the quarter-finals. Based on those rankings and group stage results from League A, seeding would see Canada get old rivals Suriname.
Mini Camp Poutine. But before all that, Jesse Marsch also convened a 19-player training camp in Toronto to cast an eye on a few more players. The biggest news here was 16-year-old York United phenom Shola Jimoh being called in after CF Montréal’s Jules-Anthony Vilsaint reportedly declined an invitation. Jimoh seemingly impressed as well, being caught showing off some tricks on tape from camp.
Tajon Buchanan and Ismaël Koné are back in the squad. Both TJ and IK are back from injury and in the squad. Although Buchanan hasn’t yet seen time on the pitch for Inter after a fast recovery from his tibia injury at Copa América, it’s good timing given the gap created by Liam Millar’s season-ending injury. Koné comparably spent only a couple weeks out with a hamstring issue.
Junior Hoilett returns to the fold. One of the few members of the old guard to be called back in since Jesse Marsch took over from John Herdman, Junior is back after a hamstring injury and return-to-fitness saw him out of the reckoning for September. Hoilett will look to offer some extra coverage across attacking midfield.
Derek Cornelius was left out. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Canadian camp without something to bring the mood down. More specifically, yet another ill-timed injury. Bombito’s usual centre-back partner is set to be out for a ‘few’ weeks as Marsch explained this week, after a damaged piece of rib cartilage saw DC stretchered off in a 2-1 win over Nantes last Sunday.
Suriname will host the first leg in Paramaribo on November 15. Both teams will then travel to BMO Field in Toronto for the second leg on November 19. Ticketing information for the second leg is available here.
Canada Soccer
🚁 Dronegate & Past “Unacceptable Culture”
True North Foot
Here we go. This time, it's not exciting transfer news; it is something everyone is worried about but wants the findings to be revealed. Canada Soccer’s CEO and Secretary General have given us a preview into Dronegate. The findings are not yet public.
“Past pattern of an unacceptable culture and insufficient oversight.” Kevin Blue revealed that there had been a culture of drone spying among the staff of the Canadian national teams. This has been happening.
Paris Olympics 2024 is not an isolated incident. This was only the tip of the iceberg. The independent findings seemed to have revealed that this was a culture started by John Herdman while serving as coach of the CanWNT. It was later continued by his then assistant coach and now CanWNT head coach, Bev Priestman.
Herdman to cooperate with investigations. The TFC manager stated that he would cooperate with the investigators but emphasized that the spying did not occur during the World Cups and Olympics.
Priestman and staff are still suspended. The CanWNT coach, along with assistant coach Jasmine Mander and analyst Joseph Lombardi, continue to serve their one-year FIFA suspension. They are also currently on paid suspension.
However, their future remains uncertain. The verdict will come down once the investigation findings are made public. In the meantime, we wait for things to be revealed.
MLS
🌊 Whitecaps, you made us proud
Whitecaps FC
The Vancouver Whitecaps are still Canada’s best MLS team. Despite the loss, the Caps have gone blow for blow in a three-game series against West Coast giants LAFC.
The game was tight, and the scoreline was tighter. This was a battle of the giants. Both teams were even and could not unlock each other. LAFC’s Denis Bouanga was a monster, but Van’s defence kept him at bay. Ryan Gauld balled out of control, but LA’s defence was diligent. This was anyone’s game.
Mateusz Bogusz is Robert Lewandowski’s successor. That is a bold statement, but the 23-year-old Polish forward is destined for Europe. With 16 goals and seven assists in the regular season, his partnership with Denis Bouanga has been instrumental in LAFC’s season. It was natural that it was Bogusz who scored the game’s only goal.
Vanni Sartini, take a bow. MLS praised the Whitecaps manager for his quotes and for being the most likeable and charismatic manager in Canada. The league noted his self-confidence and ability to get the best out of his players. While everyone talked about TFC’s big names and MTL’s dramatic season, Sartini has built Canada’s most impressive team. We can’t wait to see what this Vancouver team will look like next season.
Side note: LAFC supporters are spoiled. This is not sports but vibes. BMO Stadium should not have empty seats. This club is incredible to watch, even without the French stars. To see empty seats in a playoff game is sad, and LA does not appreciate the kind of club it has. Some say harsh, but we say no. Football is a celebration. There should be a full house for every game at all times.
Canucks Abroad
🌍 Canucks Abroad
@LiveScore
🇫🇷 Jonathan David loves the Champions League. Seven goals in nine UEFA Champions League matches. This is a stat that big clubs must be noting down when looking at JD. Lille hosted Juventus to a 1-1 draw. The CanMNT striker opened the game with the first goal from an incredible counterattack. Here’s another stat about JD: 41 goals and assists in all competitions.
🏴 Alistair Johnston to sign a new contract. AJ is the second-best-scoring Canadian in Europe after Jonathan David. He has four goals and two assists in the Scottish Premiership this season, and Brendan Rodgers is keen to retain him in Glasgow with a contract extension. He’s arguably one of the best RBs in Europe at the moment.
🇵🇹 Stephen Eustáquio scored a banger. Porto travelled to Rome to face off against Lazio in the Europa League. Unfortunately, the Portuguese side suffered a 2-1 loss, but Porto's only goal was an Eustáquio equalizing stunner.
🇸🇪 Clarissa Larisey with two assists. The Ottawa forward picked up a goal and two assists in BK Häcken’s 5-1 win over Brommapojkarna in the Swedish league.
🇩🇪 Alphonso Davies is on the CL Team of the Week. Captain of the CanMNT balled out in their mid-week game against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. His performance was recognized, earning him a spot on the Team of the Week.
🇫🇷 Jonathan David versus Moïse Bombito. Nice hosted fourth-placed Lille in Ligue 1 France. As far as we’re concerned, this is a CanMNT Darby between two in-form players on opposite sides of the pitch, JD and Bombito. The game ended 2-2.
🇧🇪 Promise David scored a brace. The 23-year-old forward at Union St. Gilloise scored a brace in their 4-0 win over Genk. He now has six goals in 12 appearances.
👀 Alphonso Davies has been offered a final new contract. Bayern Munich has also offered the CanMNT captain their final contract offer. However, the former Munich coach, Hansi Flick, is seeking to reunite with Phonzy at Barcelona. With Real Madrid pursuing Phonzy since 2022 and Manchester United’s interest gaining traction with the appointment of new gaffer Ruben Amorim, Phonzy has great options.
Canucks at Home
🏡 Canucks at Home
Portland Thorns
🐐 Christine Sinclair played her final game. Canada’s greatest footballer and one of the greatest players of the game has played her final professional game. The Portland Thorns were eliminated 2-1 in the NWSL against NJ/NY Gotham. Sincy did not find the net in her final dance, but she leaves the game with unprecedented accolades, including an Olympic gold medal and 190 goals. We salute you.
⚽️ NWSL semi-finals. Although Sinclair and Fleming are no longer in the running, two teams repped by a trio of Canadians are still vying for the coveted NWSL Championship trophy. The Kansas City Current, with Desiree Scott, also hanging up the boots at the end of this season, and Nichelle Prince will face off against the Orlando Pride, after narrowly easing past the North Carolina Courage, repped by Sydney Collins, Victoria Pickett, and Bianca St-Georges. On the other side of the bracket, Gabby Carle and the Washington Spirit knocked off Bay FC in extra-time to set up a date with the same NJ/NY Gotham that eliminated the Thorns.
🏟️ MLS conference semi-finals up next. MLS playoffs action is also set to resume on the other side of the men’s November international break. Minnesota United’s first-round hero Dayne St. Clair, alongside Tani Oluwaseyi, will match up against the star-studded LA Galaxy. Luca Petrasso’s Orlando City will face off against an Atlanta United side that knocked out Inter Miami, while Thomas Hasal will likely back-up in LAFC’s tie against Seattle.
🇺🇸 USL Championship conference finals at a glance. Also down south, the USLC eastern conference final will see some Canuck-on-Canuck action. Rhode Island FC, with back-line staple Karifa Yao, would be first to book their spot in the match, after a thrilling upset against Shield winners Louisville City. On the other side, and playing host for the match on November 16, is Jay Chapman and Nathan Dossantos’ Charleston Battery, themselves completing a comeback from 1-0 down against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
🏆 UBC go back-to-back at U SPORTS Nationals. The Thunderbirds’ women are back on the top step after Sophia Ferreira scored in a rematch of their 2022 quarter-final against the Laval Rouge et Or in Halifax on Sunday. It’s also a perfect season in the books for UBC and U SPORTS Coach of the Year Jesse Symons, after a 17-0-0 run as Canada West conference champions, conceding just four goals all season.
🏆 UBC win at U SPORTS Nationals… again. No, that’s not a mistake. The Thunderbirds would do the double on the national stage, as the men defeated the Université de Montréal Carabins, 1-0, in Oshawa. The game-winner came in stoppage time as UBC’s Joven Mann sealed the team’s record 14th title. It’s been one heck of a season for the Western giants all together, dropping just one loss between both programs.
Other News
📰 In other news this week
⬆️ CPL to increase salary cap. CPL commissioner Mark Noonan has announced that the salary cap will increase next season with additional annual increases. It's all good news and an overall good indicator of the league's growth.
2️⃣ The Canadian Premier League will add two new clubs in 2026. The league aims to be ten-team by 2026. CPL commissioner and CSB CEO Mark Noonan has expressed that the league is discussing “with several potential investor groups and municipalities in this regard.” Potential locations speculated are Kelowna, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo, Laval, Québec City, and the Toronto area. Earlier this year, CS Saint-Laurent expressed interest in joining the CPL, but those discussions have died down recently.
😕 York United parted ways with Benjamin Mora after five months in charge. The Mexican gaffer has mutually parted ways with the club. Despite being knocked out in the second round of playoffs, his tenure at York United was not bad. However, Mora has been linked with Mexican heavyweights Chivas Guadalajara. York United are in search of a new manager.
🌌 The CPL 2024 announced their award winners last Thursday in Calgary.
🔱 Pacific FC’s Emil Gazdov won the Golden Glove Award for best goalkeeper. The shotstopper kept seven clean sheets in 21 league games. He also made 29 clearances and a save percentage of 72.31. Gazdov was also nominated for the U-21 Canadian Player of the Year.
🔨 Forge FC’s Tristan Borges earned Player of the Year. This is the second time he has won this award, after taking home the trophy in the CPL’s inaugural season in 2019. The honour was voted on by select media members and technical leadership in all CPL clubs.
🔨 Kwasi Poku has earned the award for Best U-21 Canadian Player. The former Forge FC player had a tremendous season in the CPL, which earned him a move to Belgium. Before moving to Europe, Poku picked up eight goals in 17 games.
🐎 Cavalry’s Daan Klomp has earned a second consecutive Defender of the Year award. The Dutch defender helped Cavalry allow just 27 goals in 28 games for the second straight year. Klomp also finished first in the league in blocks with 23.
🔨 Forge manager Bobby Smyrniotis is the 2024 Coach of the Year. He should have already won this award, given that he has led the club to all six CPL finals and won four. Moreover, he has been nominated in this category for the past six years. This time around, he has finally picked up the Owl statue.
🏆 The coveted Players’ Player of the Year goes to… York United’s Brian Wright. All 192 CPL players have voted for their 2024 Players’ Player and cannot vote for ballers on their team. 92/192 ballots (48%) voted Brian Wright as their Players’ Player, with 30 of those ballots placing him as their first-placed player out of three.
✅ Northern Picks
This week’s picks come from The Northern Pitch team.
🗽 What to buy & watch
Our friends at Ringleaders FC just dropped their Diadora Calico Jersey from their trip down to NYC earlier this year for the OnlyNY & Friends Invitational. Let’s just say, we wish we were invited.
✅ Who to follow
Founded in 2008, @buttergoods is an Australian-based clothing company that recently dropped an incredible collaboration with Umbro. Absolute heat.