Good Monday morning Caps fans. Hope you all had a lovely weekend and that the week ahead is a positive one.
We got news last week that three Caps players will earn their first Canada call-ups, joining Jesse Marsch and Co. for the January camp. Given the timing, this is an understandably MLS-heavy roster. That means an opportunity for Jeevan Badwal, Rayan Elloumi, and Ralph Priso to make a favorable impression.
The three players are unlikely to feature in the actual World Cup squad, but it is still a huge accomplishment. All three players took distinctly different approaches to getting here. Priso resurrected his career in Vancouver, even changing positions in the process, and certainly merits consideration from a national team standpoint. You would imagine that his strong showing at centerback and positional flexibility would be something Marsch is interested in. Badwal has been a top prospect for some time, but got more minutes last season in MLS than most expected. He showed strong signs of progress over the course of the season and figures to be another important piece this season, even if the Caps add another midfielder.
And Elloumi’s call-up is a positive sign as Canada attempts to retain another promising dual national. The striker player for Tunisia’s youth team in 2025 and by all accounts looked good. But his quality off the bench for Vancouver showed that he could contribute at a senior level. With that share of minutes expected to grow in 2026, Elloumi is a player who should remain on the national team radar for the foreseeable future as well.
Canada only has one friendly in the January window against Guatemala, but it will be interesting to see whether and how the three Caps feature in that game. In any event, props to Jeevan, Rayan, and Ralph on a huge accomplishment and what is hopefully the beginning of a fruitful time with the national team.
Shameless Self Promotion
Who should the Caps be targeting at winger? Per usual, Caleb has some excellent ideas in mind.
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i am not sure why supporters are panicking over the RW position- we have Cabrera (my first choice- he has shown some good ability in his spot chances and deserves the chance to make it his position); and Ocampo who can also do the job IMO (Laborda will be the RB player)- or certainly Cabrera and Ocampo should be given the chance- i would wait until the summer transfer window and see what develops in the RW position
Axel hopefully brings in a quality Midfielder- IMO, its the Caps weakest position- if Berhalter and/or Cubas are missing, they are left with Ngando and Badwal- having said that, Priso is capable of filling in for Cubas and Cabrera could fill in for Berhalter- so even then, we dont need to panic
this the first head coach EVER that actually has decent options should injuries and/or call-ups happen
Salty