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Posted by
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June 11, 2017 |
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TORONTO - The Summer of Soccer is about to spice things up with new fixture for the Canada Men's National Team. Canada will host Jamaica on Saturday, September 2 at BMO Field in Toronto. This will be an opportunity for Canada to showcase Cyle Larin, Jonathan Osorio, Anthony Jackson-Hamel, and 16 year-old Alphonso Davies against the Reggae Boyz.
Canada Soccer President Steve Reed was happy to make this announcement on Sunday in Toronto.
"Canada Soccer is pleased to bring back the Men’s National Team to BMO Field in Toronto for this important feature against a long-standing CONCACAF rival. We are confident that Canadian fans will come out and support the team as we blend our emerging talent with a strong group of veterans."
Toronto FC midfielder, Tosaint Ricketts was on hand for the reveal. Playing against Jamaica offers a unique opportunity for the Edmonton, Alberta native with Jamaican roots.
"It's amazing, and it's always special for me," said Ricketts. My background is Jamaican, my parents are Jamaican. If there's ever a chance for it to mean any more, this is it."
Canada's last match on BMO Field was on September 4, 2015 vs Belize. Canada came away with an entertaining 3-0 victory, and they will be looking to bring even more excitement against a strong CONCACAF rival.
The 29 year-old Ricketts is looking forward to the match as an opporunity for Canada to measure themselves against a top CONCACAF opponent. Yes, it's an international friendly, but there's always an extra bit of heat when Jamaica is involved.
"For me, every CONCACAF team is a rival," admitted Ricketts. "We have a history with all of them, when we play these CONCACAF teams, it's kind of where you stand in the region, you want to show your dominance, that you belong here, and that you are a top team in CONCACAF. It always means that much more against a CONCACAF team."
Toronto has the largest Jamaican community in Canada, and there will no doubt be an electric atmosphere at BMO Field. Ricketts knows first hand what kind of venue BMO Field can be with the crowd engaged and cheering with every pass, save, and through ball. Fans of both Canada, and Jamaica will be duelling to support their team.
"Oh yeah, huge Jamaican community here in Toronto," said Ricketts. "There always going to come out and support their country. That's the beauty of Canada, it's very multicultural, and it's kind of a double-edged sword. You get the multiculturalism in a nice country, but the fan base may be split. It adds to the intensity, it adds to the pressure, and the environment."
The fans will be into it, the players from both teams will be able to feed off the energy, and intensity. It's the perfect occasion to show the world that Canada Soccer is on the rise, and ready to strive, and achieve new goals.
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