|
|
World Cup qualifying is underway for Canada and the unfortunate tradition of having to begin in the second round was completed Tuesday night through a 4-0 win, 6-0 aggregate, over the island of Dominica. It wasn't necessarily the score that instilled some confidence in supporters of the men's national team, but glimpses of the future and potential of players who performed over these two games.
You cannot look at these matches without mentioning the goal scorers, first and foremost Cyle Larin and Tesho Akendele. Akendele, especially after some controversy of getting a look in the USMNT set up, chose Canada and made an immediate impact in a wider position in the attack. Larin, who has come on strong with Orlando City, had a sublime finish from distance and fought every minute on the pitch. What is most encouraging from the appearance of these two is neither are the finished product. Despite some obvious refinements needed to both of their games, their strengths are such that they are immediate assets to the team.
When you add in players such as Samuel Piette, Russell Teibert, Jonathan Osorio, Maxim Tissot, Ashtone Morgan and Mallan Roberts, while still leaving out a handful who were not part of the team at this moment, it is encouraging to have a discussion that surrounds the potential for the future. For a national program that just under three years ago was in its darkest days, the beginning of another qualifying cycle with genuine optimism is very welcome.
|