ANALYSIS – The 2024 Copa América competition is just around the corner and the CanMNT is prepared to make its debut in such a big competition. Jesse Marsch will be leading the team, as he already has two games under his belt with Canada as the Copa América CanMNT Roster has been revealed.
The 2024 Copa América Roster for the CanMNT
CanMNT Roster Analysis
The CanMNT roster was revealed on Saturday. This included thirteen (later fourteen after Junior Hoilett’s injury) Canadian MLS players. Some of the ones that have been here before include Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea, who makes a return after coming back from injury. Marsch was also impressed by his game against France on June 9 (source: Waking the Red Staff):
“I thought his performance was quite good,” Marsch told reporters on a Zoom call on Saturday when asked about Laryea’s cameo against France.
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Some other players that are there include TFC’s Jonathan Osorio, CF Montréal’s Samuel Piette, and Mathieu Choinière, and also some notable players like Stephen Eustáquio from FC Porto, LOSC Lille’s Jonathan David, and FC Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies.
Some other players that are there include TFC’s Jonathan Osorio, CF Montréal’s Samuel Piette, and Mathieu Choinière, and also some notable players like Stephen Eustáquio from FC Porto, LOSC Lille’s Jonathan David, and FC Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies.
Players that Made the Cut
Some notable players are new or just made the cut with the national team. This includes Moïse Bombito of the Colorado Rapids, who is quickly making his name with the national team. Getting drafted second by the Colorado Rapids less than a year ago, he has made six appearances for the national team.
Some interesting inclusions to the team include centre-forward, Tani Oluwaseyi, of Minnesota United FC, Columbus Crew SC’s Jacen Russell-Rowe, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s Ali Ahmed, who were all late call-ups by CanMNT head coach, Jesse Marsch, ahead of this prestigious competition. This is what then CanMNT head coach, John Herdman, said about Ahmed back in 2023 after being included in the Concacaf Gold Cup roster (Source: The Canadian Press):
“He’s got that little bit of what we’ve seen from (Canadian international midfielder Ismael) Kone where he can find another level that damages teams, where he’s able to turn out of pressure, eliminate a line with his dribbling ability and his combination. He just has that 10-yard speed that top midfielders have,” said Herdman.
Lastly, there is CF Montréal’s Joel Waterman, who made the roster because Hoilett got injured in a Canadian men’s national team training session.
Players that Missed the Cut and Injuries
Some important players missed the roster. One of them is Iké Ugbo. When asked by reporter, Ben Steiner, why Ugbo did not make the roster, he said:
What people may have also noticed, is that many of these players are under the age of 30. This meant that long-standing players on the team like Milan Borjan and Steven Vitória did not make the roster. Marsch’s reasoning for this was the following (source: Felipe Vallejo of the Northern Tribune):
“Part of the reason we didn’t call them in is because I think this new crop of players needs to develop bigger toles of leadership and roles within the team,” elaborated Marsch. “It’s important that they have room to do so, that’s been a big focus.”
Lastly, there is Hoilett, who actually did make the roster, but will not play for the national team because of an injury in the training session as mentioned by Canada Soccer:
This is a blow for the Canadian national men’s team. Still, this roster does have some quality players and should be able to compete and give themselves a good showing in the 2024 Copa América competition.
This is a blow for the Canadian national men’s team. Still, this roster does have some quality players and should be able to compete and give themselves a good showing in the 2024 Copa América competition.
Copa América Games Coming Up
Photo Credit: CANMNT X Account on June 15, 2024.
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The two games earlier this month were essential for this national team to prepare for this competition. This is especially true when they face the number one team in the world, Argentina, on Thursday, June 20 at 8:00pm ET. They then face Peru on June 25 at 6:00pm ET and lastly, Chile, on June 29 at 8:00pm ET.
All games will be televised nationally live on TSN/RDS in Canada. The Argentina game will be at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, while the Peru game will be at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, and the Chile game at Inter&Co Stadium, in Orlando, Florida.
Photo Credit: CanMNT X ENG Account and the CanMNT X FR Account on June 9, 2024.
