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September 9th Edition
CanMNT win south of the border & CanWNT cooking in the U-20 World Cup
It’s always a good week when Les Rouges beat our neighbours south of the border, especially when it happens on US soil.
On top of that, the not-so-Baby Reds were scoring left, right and centre at the U20 Women’s World Cup, and the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite squad balled their way to the next round of the inaugural Concacaf Women’s Champions Cup.
All that, plus a legendary giveaway ahead and more Canadian footy news you may have missed in this week’s edition of The Northern Pitch.
In this week's edition:
Giveaway
📚 Subscriber Giveaway!
Once again, we bring to you, our beautiful subscribers, a very special giveaway. This time, it’s a brand new memoir from none other than Canadian Men’s National Team legend (and DARBY Issue 2 cover star) Atiba Hutchinson.
105 senior caps, 6 Canadian player of the year awards, and over 20 years representing Canada on the world stage culminating in a trip to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the book—written with The Athletic’s Dan Robson— covers Atiba’s journey from humble beginnings to an awe-inspiring career that transcends the pitch.
Thanks to our friends at Penguin Random House Canada, we’re giving away 3 copies of The Beautiful Dream to a few lucky subscribers. To enter, just fill out the form below. Good luck!
CanMNT
🇨🇦 CanMNT’s first win in the US since 1957
Canada Soccer
This weekend, Les Rouges travelled south to Kansas. Maritime Messi strikes again, the Iceman stays hot, and CanMNT wins for the first time on US soil since 1957.
Jesse Marsch is sending the USA a message. Prior to the game, the CanMNT gaffer was featured on Golazo America and predicted Canada would win 2-1 against the US. Prophetic words. The truth is, Jesse Marsch, revels in US defeats. Since Copa America, he’s out to send a message to the United States that their way is obsolete, and Canada is the proof.
CanMNT were without Ismaël Koné and Tajon Buchanan. The former has yet to make his debut with Marseille and is still recovering from the injury sustained in Copa America. Their absences are a concern, but in this game, no one seemed to be worried. Their replacements, Mathieu Choinière and Ali Ahmed, have filled that void.
Alistair Johnston picked up a knock. The Celtic fullback stepped out of the game in the 25th minute after feeling “tightness in the hamstring.” It was a similar issue he had experienced in the friendlies against the Netherlands. Luckily, it is not too serious and will not be out for too long.
Maritime Messi opens the game. The boy from Nova Scotia, Jacob Shaffelburg, provided the game's first goal with an assist from Jonathan David in the 17th minute. Besides the goal, Shaff was a threat down the wing, and the link-up with Phonzy is something to look forward to.
Ice Ice baby. Jonathan David has a good outing this time around. The forever “will he stay or leave” forward has had the best performance in the team. With an assist in the first half and then a goal in the 57th minute, it's safe to say he did decent. His latest goal has pushed his tally to 29 for CanMNT, tied with podcast and strike teammate Cyle Larin.
New faces and debuts. Former Croatian Niko Sigur was featured in the squad but was not used for this game. However, Nathan Saliba and Stephen Afrifa have made their debuts for the national team. Despite only getting less than four minutes, their debuts mark a pivotal moment in their career and invaluable experience.
Next, Mexico. This Tuesday, Canada will face Mexico in Arlington, Texas. This game will be another test for the boys, and the performance against the US will bring added confidence to both the team and the supporters watching. Let’s get it.
CanWNT
🏆 U-20 Women’s World Cup
Canada Soccer
The Baby Reds’ ninth appearance at a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup kicked off this past week. With it, came goals (and a lot of them), results and much intrigue.
First, the opposition. Canada were drawn into Group B, alongside France, Brazil and Fiji. France, also in their ninth showing, were previously runners-up to the trophy in 2016. Brazil, making their 11th appearance, came third in 2022 and 2006. Fiji were making their debuts. All-in-all, a mixed bag.
Off to a good start were the Canadians, leading 2-1 over France at the break through goals from Nyah Rose and Zoe Markesini. France would fight back and take a 3-2 lead in the second half, but a late equalizer from Annabelle Chukwu ensured a point for Canada from the opener.
The next game against Fiji would be a bit simpler for the Reds. Before the first 45’ was even up, Chukwu would net a hat-trick and the Canadians would have seven in the back of the Fijian goal. 9-0, would be the final here.
With four points in the bag, Canada’s spot in the knockout rounds was all but secure, barring a French collapse to Fiji on the final day. Brazil would end up claiming a 2-0 win over Canada to top the group, while France routed Fiji 11-0 to finish second, with Canada falling in behind for third.
What that all means is Canada get a date with 2023 Women’s U-19 Euro champions Spain in the round of 16. This is Canada’s first time getting past the groups since 2014.
Another record that has been reset is the all-time goal-scoring record at the youth level for the CANWNT. Chukwu, with the hat-trick against Fiji, now sits on 29 goals, leapfrogging the GOAT’s 27. Olivia Smith trails just behind on 26 for third place.
W Champions Cup
🌊 Whitecaps pick up Champions Cup dub
Whitecaps FC Girls Elite
From Mexico City, Mexico to Penonomé, Panama, the continental journey for the Vancouver Whitecaps continues. After falling 7-0 to full-time side Club América, the Whitecaps were looking to bounce back against Santa Fé. Both sides came into this one with many believing this was their best shot at three points.
Whitecaps head coach Katie Collar made three changes from the loss in Mexico. Missing key piece Jeneva Hernandez Gray to the CANW20, experienced veterans Josie Longhurst and Brianne Reed would get the nod.
The visitors got off to a bright start — and would score just past the half-hour mark. Jourdan Ziff roofed a shot past the Santa Fé keeper, off a ball snuck behind the back line by Kaylee Hunter, the third of Collar’s changes.
Santa Fé, now down a goal, pressed on. Morgan McAslan was called into a big save after 50 minutes, turning a long-range shot onto the crossbar in a contender for save of the tournament.
Having weathered the pressure, Vancouver would get their well-deserved second goal. 30-year-old centre-back Brianne Reed, crashing the net on a corner, bundled home an insurance goal for the Whitecaps.
Santa Fé would pull one back in the final minutes. María Murillo stepped up to the spot, sending the Caps the wrong way with five minutes to go.
Canucks Abroad
🌍 Canucks Abroad
Concacaf W
🌹 Christine Sinclair adding to her tally. It was fitting that Canada’s GOAT was the first player in Portland’s history to score in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup. Not just any goal, a chip from outside the box. It's a perfect finish from a baller who only knows how to finish. But one goal wasn’t enough. Sincy scored a second goal in the Thorns’ 3-1 win over Club America. This time, it was a finesse finish. RB+B/RT+O type thing.
👏 Mauro Eustaquio called-up to CanMNT. From a set-piece coach at York United to an assistant coach with CanMNT. His work with York United has been taken note of. After Martin Nash was let go, Eustaquio became interim coach of the Nine Stripes. Now, he’s selected as part of the coaching staff of the CanMNT and the first-ever coach-player sibling duo with Stephen Eustaquio.
🇵🇹 Marie-Yasmine Alidou balled out. Balled out = screamer and an assist in a UWCL game. Benfica faced off against Sarajevo and defeated the Balkan club 4-0. Fellow Canuck Chandra Davidson also netted a top-class curler in the win.
🇮🇹 Tajon Buchanan returns to training. It was reported that TJ has returned to training. However, his training has been described as light. Nonetheless, his return to training has occurred earlier than expected. All good signs!
🏴 Everton offered Rylee Foster a contract. The former Liverpool keeper is currently applying her trade with New Zealand club Wellington Pheonix. Foster has had a turbulent few years after recovering from a life-threatening car accident to returning to professional football. She has a chance to return to England but with the Blue side of Merseyside, Everton. Foster has been offered a short-term contract for this summer.
✍️ Jordyn Huitema signed a contract extension. The CanWNT Olympic gold medallist has put pen to paper on a contract extension with Seattle Reign until 2026 with an option for 2027.
🇨🇾 Former CS Saint-Laurent baller signed a pro contract in Cyprus. So far, Jefferson Alphonse, Safwane Mlah, Loïc Kwemi, and Riad Bey have graduated from Saint-Laurent into the professional realm. Yann Toualy is the latest to join them. The former assistant captain for the Ligue1 club, signed a pro contract after a short stint at USL2 club Vermont Green FC. Toualy has signed with Northern Cyprus KTFF Super Lig club Larnaka Gencler Birligi SK.
🇵🇹 Noah Santos with a banger in Portugal. The Montreal-baller has spent most of his youth career in the Portuguese youth system. The 22-year-old forward is currently on loan with third-division side Academica Coimbra. He scored this banger this past weekend.
🇧🇪 Kwasi Poku’s first in Belgium. From left-back, to striker, to now scoring in the cup for RWDM. Poku’s trajectory has been on the rise in 2024, and now his goal tally is too. The Bramptonian slotted home in a 5-0 win over fourth-tier side Royal Aywaille FC.
🏴 Jamie Knight-Lebel into the League Two TOTW. The summer of Canadian centrebacks continues. Knight-Lebel put in a strong shift for Crewe this weekend in a 1-0 shutout over Morecambe. That earned the young defender his first spot in the official EFL League Two Team of the Week.
Other News
📰 In other news this week
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
🌊 The Caps were held to a 0-0 draw at home. Due to the international break, the Whitecaps are without Ryan Gauld, Ali Ahmed, Andres Cuba, Fafa Picault, and Pedro Vite. Brian White and Max Anchor are out due to injury. So, they are basically missing half of their starting lineup. The absence of these players was felt as Vancouver’s attacking prowess lost its bite force. There were opportunities to score, but finishing was not there—however, credit to Dallas’ Jimmy Mauer, who clutched it for the visiting team. Highlights can be found here.
👑 York United disappointed VFC supporters. The Nine Stripes travelled to Langley to face off against Vancouver FC. The game started with an early disappointment for VFC as York United’s Nyal Higgins in the 3rd minute. The CB was left unmarked at the near post during a corner kick set piece. VFC replied with an all-out attack, but to no avail. York United controlled the game and left Vancouver with a 1-0 win.
🔨 Tristan Borges had a good night. The Forge winger had fun against Cavalry FC. Borges scored a brace against the visitors starting with an absolute screamer from outside the box and then later converting a penalty. However, the Cavalry put up a strong fight, as it was a tight game throughout. The Cavs held 55% possession with 5/12 shots on target. Nonetheless, Cavalry's only goal was a rebound from a saved penalty. The game ended 2-1 for Forge.
🔱 Red card(s) drama at Starlight Stadium. Halifax Wanderers travelled from coast to coast to take on Pacific FC. It was a night to forget for the Haligonians. Captain Daniel Nimick was seen a red card in the 43rd minute. Things went south as Cale Loughrey picked up a red in the 73rd minute after seeing a yellow for a foul and immediately picked up a second for dissent. With two players down, the Wanderers leave Victoria with a 3-0 loss. Rough night.
✅ Northern Picks
This week’s picks come from Andrea Vilchez (@av7photos). She’s a football photographer originally from Nicaragua and based in Orlando, FL.
📚 What to read
The guys at Worldie FC just dropped The 23/24 Worldie Yearbook and I cannot recommend enough. I was lucky enough to get my hands on one already! Grab yours here.
🎧 What to listen to
As someone who drives long hours, there is no better way to pass the time than by listening to the amazing guests Joe Fordham has on his podcast No Place Like Home. Great people influencing the creative football landscape sharing their stories!
🛍️ What to buy
If I won the lottery today, I would spend all my money buying the artwork and clothing made by Art of Football. The new Mohamed Salah design is my favourite!