Maple Hue for The Gold Cup

North and Central America’s regional championship kicks off this June with the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.  The tournament, commencing June 7-25, brings together the top nations in the region and is dominated by the two local powers, Mexico (five wins from six finals) and the USA (four from seven).  Despite having won twice, most recently in 2000, and finishing third at both the 2002 and 2007 editions, Canada has not fared well at the tournament.  All that should be about to change, with Canadian soccer on a major upswing.

With the launch of MLS teams Toronto FC in 2007 and the Vancouver Whitecaps earlier this year, soccer has exploded onto the Canadian scene.  Having long been a very popular sport at youth and amateur level, the past few years has scene the game pervade the Canadian sporting consciousness.  Backed by an ambitious federation and buoyed by the growing, urban popularity of the sport, Canada is making all the right noises as it seeks to move on from being regular participants to contenders.

Recent friendlies have shown that on its day Canada is more than a match for most opponents, outside the top 30.  And while the men’s team continues to blow hot and cold at times, this tournament should bring out the consistency not seen since the iconic triumph in 2000.  The team is combative, physical and although lacking in the level of talent that many top international teams take for granted, plays with no small amount of heart.  Gutsy wins against Belarus away and Honduras at home, have been mixed alongside road draws at Ukraine and Venezuela.

Canada is drawn in the toughest group alongside 2007 winners and perennial finalists USA, but should be ably matched in most areas of the pitch.  The other two teams, Panama and Guadeloupe, although well drilled and capable, should not pose too much of a threat as Canada seeks to march into the final eight as either group winners or runners up.  With the tournament being played across the United States, the conditions are friendly (even though the fans may not be) and this Canadian team is rarely homesick.

Moreover, although far from the finished article, the team boasts both experience and youth potential.  The 23 man squad that beat Belarus featured only 6 players above 27, while Paul Staltieri and Atiba Hutchinson boast over 50 caps each.  At the back Kevin McKenna has notched 10 international goals in his 49 appearances, while TFC’s twin pillars Adrian Cann and Nana Attakora are one of the strongest partnerships in the MLS.  Add to that the explosive talent of Julian De Guzman and Dwayne De Rosario (both absent from the Belarus game) along with Iain Hume and Daniel Imhof, and you have a good team that should go far in the tournament.

While the Gold Cup only represents an immediate return, the long term potential is present for all to see.  Having signed a new deal with shirtmaker Umbro, the CSA seem intent on investing more money into the soccer system in Canada, and developing more talent.  With a team whose core should be together for several years down the road, the future has never looked brighter for the Canadian Men’s Soccer Team.

All eyes will be on the national side as they get their 2011 Gold Cup campaign underway against the US on June 7, but the fans have to keep the faith for the long run.

USA v Canada June 7

Guadeloupe v Canada June 11

Panama v Canada June 14

Top two from each group along with the two best 3^rd placed teams progress to the quarterfinals.