Shifting Shapes: Analyzing the CanMNT’s diverse tactical profile ahead of the start of the Octo

Ahead of the start of the final round of World Cup qualifiers, the ‘Octagonal’, we dive into Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team’s diverse tactical profile, analyzing their use of the 3-5-2 and 4-4-2 formations, before looking at some potential lineups to use within those formations.  The value is there, but it needs to be properly extracted.  Heading into the start of the final round of … Continue reading Shifting Shapes: Analyzing the CanMNT’s diverse tactical profile ahead of the start of the Octo

Ranking Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team’s first ‘Octagonal’ squad in World Cup Qualifiers by ‘Surprise Rating’

With the return of Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team for the start of the Octo in CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, we break down their latest squad, which was announced last week, by giving them a ‘Surprise Rating’.  Fresh off of a busy summer, it’s almost go time.  After a memorable month of June and July for Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team, they can’t wait to … Continue reading Ranking Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team’s first ‘Octagonal’ squad in World Cup Qualifiers by ‘Surprise Rating’

Herrera Heartbreak: Late Hector Herrera winner cancels out positive CanMNT performance in Gold Cup semi-final vs Mexico

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team fell to Mexico 2-1 on Thursday night in the semi-finals of the 2021 Gold Cup. Here’s what stood out to us from that one.  After they did so well to instill belief, to see that ripped from them at the death was heart-wrenching.  For Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team, they were always going to be in tough against tournament favourites, … Continue reading Herrera Heartbreak: Late Hector Herrera winner cancels out positive CanMNT performance in Gold Cup semi-final vs Mexico

Night to Remember: Why a historic Thursday night for CanMNT, CanWNT is a needed one for soccer in Canada

On Thursday night, all eyeballs will be on Canadian Soccer, as both Canada Soccer’s Men’s and Women’s National Team’s will get set to play a pair of big games over a span of just under 12 hours. Here’s why that’s so important for the sport in this country.  It’s so nice, they’re going to do it twice. For a span of just under 12 hours … Continue reading Night to Remember: Why a historic Thursday night for CanMNT, CanWNT is a needed one for soccer in Canada

Shake the Tri: Diving into Mexico’s tactical profile ahead of pivotal Gold Cup semi-final clash with CanMNT

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team is getting set to take on Mexico in a pivotal 2021 Gold Cup semi-final clash on Thursday night. Here’s what to expect from El Tri tactically in that encounter, and how Canada can counter that.  Having reached a frontier not breached in a long time, a familiar foe now awaits.  Just by making the semi-finals of the 2021 CONCACAF Gold … Continue reading Shake the Tri: Diving into Mexico’s tactical profile ahead of pivotal Gold Cup semi-final clash with CanMNT

Power Shift: The CanMNT return to Gold Cup semi-finals for first time since 2007 with big 2-0 win over Costa Rica

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team beat Costa Rica on Sunday night, punching their ticket to the semi-finals of the 2021 Gold Cup, a stage they haven’t reached since 2007. Here’s what stood out to us from that game.  With a chance to change some recent history, they didn’t shrink in front of the bright lights.  As they looked to return to the semi-finals of the … Continue reading Power Shift: The CanMNT return to Gold Cup semi-finals for first time since 2007 with big 2-0 win over Costa Rica

Tangoing with the Ticos: Analyzing Costa Rica’s tactical profile ahead of 2021 Gold Cup quarter-final clash with CanMNT

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team will take on Costa Rica on Sunday in the quarter-finals of the 2021 Gold Cup. Here is what to expect from the Ticos then, as Canada looks to return to the semi-finals of the Gold Cup for the first time since 2007.  After a week-long break, a sprint to the final now awaits.  For Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team, they’ll … Continue reading Tangoing with the Ticos: Analyzing Costa Rica’s tactical profile ahead of 2021 Gold Cup quarter-final clash with CanMNT

Triple Threat: CanMNT put 1 foot in 2021 Gold Cup quarter-finals with big 4-1 win over Haiti

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team rode an early Stephen Eustaquio goal to a 4-1 win over Haiti, their third such win over their Haitian foes in this past month. Here is what stood out from this game, which proved to be a comfortable win for Canada, despite some nervy moments along the way.  The destination may have been the right one, but the journey to … Continue reading Triple Threat: CanMNT put 1 foot in 2021 Gold Cup quarter-finals with big 4-1 win over Haiti

Off to the Races: CanMNT survive early scare before cruising to 4-1 win over Martinique to open 2021 Gold Cup

Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team kicked off their 2021 Gold Cup campaign with a 4-1 win over Martinique on Sunday. Here is what stood out from that game, one in which Canada survived an early scare before getting back into the game, cruising to their eventual result.  After an early scare, they did what they needed to do to avoid an upset.  It might not … Continue reading Off to the Races: CanMNT survive early scare before cruising to 4-1 win over Martinique to open 2021 Gold Cup

New Look: Analyzing the CanMNT’s 3-5-2 (and why they should keep it) ahead of the 2021 Gold Cup

In this, we break down Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team’s 3-5-2 formation that they debuted back in June, seeing why they should probably keep working on this particular tactical set-up ahead of the 2021 Gold Cup this July (and for the Octagonal, as well). After a bit of experimentation, they’ve appeared to find the magic formula.  For Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team’s head coach, John … Continue reading New Look: Analyzing the CanMNT’s 3-5-2 (and why they should keep it) ahead of the 2021 Gold Cup