Alphonso Davies, who needed dental work after taking a boot to the face on the weekend for Bayern Munich, is among the 23 players called up by interim coach Mauro Biello for Canada's crucial Copa America qualifying playoff against Trinidad and Tobago.
Mar 12, 2024 at 11:04 AM ETIf not a changing of the guard, interim coach Mauro Biello is overseeing what he calls a"cultural reset" ahead of Canada's crucial Copa America qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago later this month.
Canada Soccer calls the roster the youngest men's squad since 2019, with all but one player under the age of 30. Six are 23 or younger.There are 10 players on the roster with less than 10 caps including the uncapped Sirois and Fulham defender Luc de Fougerolles. Four other players — Choiniere, Nashville winger Jacob Shaffelburg and forwards Jacen Russell-Rowe of Columbus and Theo Bair of Scotland's Motherwell — have been capped but have yet to start for Canada.
A win over Trinidad and Canada slots into Group A alongside top-ranked Argentina, No. 33 Peru and No. 42 Chile at this summer's Copa America. Canada is looking to face that kind of elite opposition as it prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup. And Canada Soccer has a list of yet-to-be-announced friendlies that likely depend on the result."That's something that I'll decide in camp," he said.
The European contingent also includes defender Alistair Johnston , midfielders Stephen Eustaquio , winger/wingback Tajon Buchanan and forwards Jonathan David and Larin .Biello has also clearly picked on form in choosing Choiniere, Shaffelburg, Russell-Rowe and Bair, among others. Defenders: Moise Bombito, Colorado Rapids ; Derek Cornelius, Malmö FF ; Luc de Fougerolles, Fulham ; Alistair Johnston, Celtic ; Kamal Miller, Portland Timbers ; Joel Waterman, CF Montreal .