We all have our eyes on Canada’s national teams right now.
The WNT/XNT just released the roster for the Paris Olympics with a lot of discussion which was expected considering the limited spots available. (Yes Dubs, Huitema is in the 18!)
Then on Friday, the MNT will play one of the five biggest matches in their history against an exciting Venezuela team in the Copa America quarterfinals.
But don’t forget domestic football is still in full swing and it was another great week of action in the CPL on Matchday 12.
Atletico beat Forge in a seven-goal thriller, Valour and Halifax both picked up key victories to try and drag themselves closer to the playoff picture and Elage Bah scored his first ever professional goal to lift VFC over Pacific in the BC derby.
It’s surely going to be another exciting weekend ahead of us, but we know a lot of us will be focusing on the match against Venezuela.
Since our national teams have been in the spotlight so much, I want to come up with an all-Canadian Starting XI of CPL players.
Goalkeeper: Marco Carducci
This one feels easy. A CPL original who’s only conceded 10 goals in 11 matches this year. Second all-time Clean Sheets (40) and third all-time Appearances (126) . He’s Canada’s rock*
Even though the Wanderers got one last him last weekend. -CR
Backline: Themi Antonoglou, Dan Nimick, Thomas Meilleur-Giguere, Paris Gee
When I started thinking about this line-up, Amer Didic was a lock in my mind, but TMG has been outstanding this season. First in total clearances with 57 and Second in aerial duels won with 39. Alongside Nimick, the pair would be a handful to deal with on set pieces.
Midfield: David Choiniere, Kyle Bekker, Manny Aparicio, Sean Young
What is there to say about Kyle Bekker that hasn’t been said before? Consistently one of the stars of this league, the foundation of a Forge side that has done nothing but win and 18 career caps for Canada. He would be the man wearing the captain’s armband for this side.
Forwards: Brian Wright, Tristan Borges
Brian Wright is on an absolute tear right now, leading the golden boot race with 7 goals and his 4 assists have him tied for the league lead with the man I’d pair him with up top in Tristan Borges.
Subs: Yann Fillion, Kris Twardek, Amir Didic, Fraser Aird, Massimo Ferrin, Clement Bayiha, Kwasi Poku
Who would you add? What country would make a competitive match against this side?
