Key Takeaways
- Canada’s national men’s soccer team will hold a 10-day January camp in California for North American-based players.
- The camp will be led by coach Jesse Marsch and will include a friendly match against Guatemala on January 17.
- The Guatemala game will be a Tier 1 international fixture and will count toward FIFA men’s world rankings.
- The Canadian men’s team has a score to settle with Guatemala after a penalty shootout loss in the Gold Cup quarterfinals in June.
- The January camp is an opportunity for Marsch to spend time with North America-based players and prepare them for the upcoming World Cup.
Introduction to the January Camp
The Canadian men’s national soccer team is gearing up for a crucial year ahead, with the World Cup kicking off on June 11. As part of their preparations, coach Jesse Marsch will hold a 10-day January camp in California for North American-based players. The camp will run from January 8-18 in Irvine, California, and will include a friendly match against Guatemala on January 17 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. This camp is a valuable opportunity for Marsch to spend time with his players and prepare them for the upcoming season.
Background on the Guatemala Match
The match against Guatemala is a significant one for the Canadian men’s team, as they have a score to settle with their Central American opponents. In June, Canada exited the Gold Cup in a penalty shootout loss to Guatemala, with the game finishing knotted at 1-1 after 90 minutes. The Canadians were reduced to 10 men after winger Jacob Shaffelburg was sent off in first-half stoppage time, and despite tying the shootout 5-5 after six rounds, they ultimately lost when teenage defender Luc de Fougerolles hit the crossbar and Jose Morales scored the winning penalty. This loss was a disappointing one for the Canadian team, and they will be looking to make amends in the upcoming friendly match.
Canada’s Record Against Guatemala
Canada’s all-time record against Guatemala is 10-2-3, with their previous losses coming in World Cup qualifying play. The Canadian men’s team has a strong history against Guatemala, but they will not be taking their opponents lightly. The Guatemala match will be a Tier 1 international fixture and will count toward FIFA men’s world rankings, making it an important game for both teams. With only two FIFA international windows before the World Cup kicks off, the January camp and the Guatemala match are crucial opportunities for Marsch to prepare his team for the upcoming tournament.
Importance of the January Camp
The January camp is an important opportunity for Marsch to spend time with his North America-based players and prepare them for the upcoming season. With European-based players tied up with domestic club competition, the camp is a chance for Marsch to work with players who are out of season and get them ready for the upcoming year. The camp will provide a valuable opportunity for players to come together, spend time in the team environment, and continue their development. The match against Guatemala adds an important competitive component to the camp, and will help players build and maintain match fitness ahead of their respective pre-seasons.
Preparations for the World Cup
The Canadian men’s team opens the World Cup on June 12 at Toronto’s BMO Field against the winner of a European playoff. With only a few months to go before the tournament kicks off, the January camp and the Guatemala match are crucial opportunities for Marsch to prepare his team. The team will be looking to make a strong impression at the World Cup, and the January camp is an important step in their preparations. With a strong squad and a talented coaching staff, the Canadian men’s team is ready to take on the best teams in the world and make a deep run in the tournament.
