Valentine’s Day is upon us once again and, while it is certainly over commercialized and has become a day in which it is almost impossible to find a seat in any restaurant, it also a day on which to reflect upon and show your appreciation to those you love the most. In the case of many footy fanatics, their true love will always be soccer.
So with the spirit of Saint Valentine’s Day in mind, I once again present ten things to love about Canadian soccer.
129. The number of International goals scored by the always incredible Christine Sinclair. Sincy continues to amaze and impress every time she takes to the pitch. Is she the greatest Canadian soccer player of all time?
Class. Canadian Men's National Team and PSV midfielder Atiba Hutchinson personifies class on and off the pitch. With players like 'Tiba leading the way, Canada's World Cup dream has a real possibility of coming to fruition.
Determination. The story of Simeon Jackson continues to inspire with his remarkable rise through English football and his propensity for scoring huge goals. A genuine role model and a player who will be a key part of the Canadian Men's National Team for years to come, it would be hard for anyone with a heart to not love the still being written story of the 24 year old striker.
Jono. The possible addition of the uber talented Canadian attacking midfielder to the Canadian Men's National Team fold could be the domino that ultimately gets Canada back to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Regardless of how you feel about his decision to have competed for The Netherlands at the U23 and U21 levels, Jonathan de Guzman is undoubtedly one of the most talented Canadian footballers in the world right now and a player who can make a real difference at the International level.
Destroyer. Desiree Scott isn't only one of the most recent players to pull on a Canadian kit and represent her country with honour and spirit in recent years. She also possesses the coolest nickname in Canadian soccer. How can you not love a midfielder who has been dubbed 'Destroyer' by her coaches and teammates?
MLS. Say what you will be about Major League Soccer. While it still has its share of detractors, the advent of the Canadian MLS clubs has been the most important development in Canadian soccer since the Canadian Men’s National Team last qualified for a World Cup. There hasn’t been a lot of success on the pitch, but Toronto FC, the Vancouver Whitecaps and Montreal Impact are the lynchpins of a soccer renaissance in Canada.
June 8th. Canada will kick off a crucial round of World Cup qualifying in Havana in the summer. Every single player who wears a Canadian kit makes personal and sometimes even professional sacrifices to do so and deserves the support and love of Canadian soccer fans. #CheerforCanada #SeeTheRise
Herdman. The Englishman has been a breath of fresh air for the manner in which he has lead the Canadian Women’s National Team following the resignation of Carolina Morace. He undoubtedly has work cut out for him, but it is easy to be impressed with the manner in which he has gone about his business thus far.
Canada needs more FC Edmonton. A Division II club that is focused on the development of young Canadian players, you say? FC Edmonton is a team that everyone who loves Canadian soccer should be rooting for.
March 7th. For the first time since 2009, a Canadian club is in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League. Beckham, Donovan, Keane and the rest of the Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Frings, Koevermans and De Guzman in front of 40,000 plus at the Rogers Centre. Anyone that would have predicted ten years ago that such an event/matchup was possible in Toronto would have been considered crazy.
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