Canada 4 St.Kitts and Nevis 0
Canada finishes the second round nearly through the same scoreline that they opened it, but in between two four goal home displays, gave supporters plenty to discuss in terms of their chances for round three.
After back to back scoreless draws, where the offence could not make anything happen, Canada finally took advantage of their chances putting two in the net off set pieces, converting a penalty and scoring that elusive goal from open play.
It all began with a different look in the squad overall with several new faces starting than in the away fixture on Friday night. Off the top it was Olivier Occean and Tosaint Ricketts who were the most noticeable additions to the line-up with Occean still looking a bit out of sync but very much the needed target up front, and Ricketts really putting out a display that should give him serious consideration as a starter for the third round.
The team was defensively sound and even though there were a few moments of concern at the back, overall the tireless efforts of Will Johnson and Patrice Bernier made a huge difference in pressuring St.Kitts and causing turnovers in Canada’s favour.
You can’t look at this match without having some concern with the amount of lost opportunities on goal, and wondering if a more potent attack would have capitalized on some defensive errors. But for now it is in the past and fortunately it is there for all to see so hopefully Stephen Hart will continue to address the obvious issues and with a few additions to the roster come next June Canada will be prepared for the likes of Cuba, Panama and Honduras.
The key to the ratings, as seems to be the logic on a scale of 1-10, is not to view it as a “grade”, as in a 6 would be a 60 or a C. The formula is that each player begins the game with a 5 and is the equilibrium from which their performance either improves or degrades moving in increments of .5.
Here is the breakdown of the starting XI:
Kenny Stamatopolous – 5.5
Wasn’t tested too much and when he was, the woodwork saved the day. Aside from that the only real moment of panic was an errant backpass from David Edgar that Stamatopolous has to be quick to deal with. Even in these two moments of potential disaster, looked assured and confident throughout the match.
Ashtone Morgan – 5.5
Great to see the 20-year old getting his first start in red and white and put in a good showing even if it was against the likes of St. Kitts. These last two camps will go a long way to rounding out his game, and although his crosses left something to be desired, provided another valuable option and pace down the left side.
Adam Straith – 5.5
Like Morgan, an outing with mostly positives that will hopefully be taken back to his club side to build off of. Has proven himself as a valuable and flexible component of the backline that was reliable dealing with the pressure of St.Kitts attackers.
David Edgar– 5.5
Had a few moments of questionable passing and possession, but has begun to deliver on the promise that supporters have been waiting on for over five years. His run in the starting eleven at Burnley has given him the confidence to bring strong outings for Canada and as long as his run continues will be an important piece in the third round.
Nik Ledgerwood – 5.5
Looked much better than in recent performances and was tenacious down the right side never shying away from physical play as he was taken out severely on two occasions. A night like this makes him worth taking a chance against stiffer competition, and hopefully he keeps getting minutes in Germany to stay in good form.
Patrice Bernier – 5
It was a bit of a tough night for Bernier who looked out of sync with his teammates, which can be expected as he has not figured in the team for over a year. If there is one main positive it is that for all his turnovers, he never quit on fighting back and dispossessing the ball back into Canada’s favour. If he can reconnect with this current roster, his fitness and athleticism will be an asset against the tougher midfields of Panama and Honduras.
Will Johnson – 6
A very good game for Johnson who didn’t bag a goal but was instrumental connecting with Simpson and Morgan on the left side, and delivered a handful of well placed corner kicks, one of which lead to Simpson’s goal at the end of the first half.
Dwayne De Rosario – 6
Even though it was a penalty kick that gave him his goal, De Rosario put out his standard display of tireless ethic and consistently buzzing in and around the net and deserved to get his chance to tie Dale Mitchell’s record.
Josh Simpson – 6.5
Should have had two on this night, but at that point it didn’t matter and overall this was much closer to the kind of display Canada will need from Simpson to match up with the teams in the next round. Linked up well with Morgan, Johnson and Occean, took the ball deep in the corner, cut in and dribbled into the box and was all and all a consistent threat, which is essential to Canada’s attack being balanced and creating space for the other attackers.
MOTM Tosaint Ricketts – 6.5
The one criticism on this outing was for all the work put in to run down balls, win 1v1 battles and get into great scoring positions, just could not get off a shot that really tested the keeper. Aside from that, did not quit for the ninety minutes and was determined and hungry to keep pressuring the defenders, keep pushing for the net, and when he finally got his goal it was well earned from a game that will give Stephen Hart a tough decision on who should get that attacking role come next summer.
Olivier Occean – 6
Still does not look completely cohesive with his teammates, but of all the options for a target forward, Occean is the man right now. His goal was exactly what he brings each week for his domestic club and can be a valuable tool when a physical presence will be needed on the end of Simpson, Ricketts or Jackson’s crosses.
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