Canadian Premier League prepares to kick off a new era of soccer in Canada Globe_Sports
Allan Gorman and his fellow Forge FC supporters have spent hours painting a 15-by-12-metre banner welcoming their team and the Canadian Premier League.
The opening weekend will see four of the seven CPL teams in action. On Sunday, Pacific FC hosts Halifax’s HFX Wanderers FC at Westhills Stadium in Langford, B.C. There is precedent. The Canadian Soccer League, which operated from 1987 to 1992, proved to be an early home for many future Canadian internationals. CSL veterans include Canadian internationals Geoff Aunger, Ian Bridge, Alex Bunbury, Jon Catliff, Carlo Corazzin, Jason deVos, Nick Dasovic, Paul Dolan, Paul Fenwick, Carl Fletcher, Lyndon Hooper, Paul James, Bob Lenarduzzi, Dale Mitchell, Domenic Mobilio, Paul Peschisolido, Carl Valentine and Mark Watson.
“It wasn’t around when I was there but I had other avenues … I’m just glad it’s here, that’s the main thing,” he said of the new league. “I know guys in the locker-room are already talking about it. We want to support it.“Some of the local guys are trying to pick either York or Forge, which team is theirs. It’s nice to have that talk around and I hope it grows and keeps getting better.
In subsequent years, the CPL champion will secure entry in the CONCACAF League. The three franchises get first crack this year because of their seniority. Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney, who has already lent Ryan Telfer to York 9 FC, will be watching the new league with interest.“I’m curious, I think like everybody – the quality, the level,” said Vanney.“I think it’s going to take time. Even when you look at the early days of the MLS and the ups and downs. I mean, we went from 10 teams to eight teams to almost folding to now thriving and talking about 30 teams … It’s not an easy venture, it’s got to be along, committed venture.
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