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    Rintaran
    Link:: https://www.northernstartingeleven.com/spruce-meadows-and-their-canpl-learning-curve/
    They are building a league. None of it existed before. It is easy for fans and followers to lose sight of what was so obvious only a few short months ago. Now people are paying attention to players, coaches, teams, formations, and results. But the challenge of winning games, learning your trade as a player or coach, or making tactical adjustments is undergirded by a league infrastructure which has an entire set of its own challenges, difficulties, and pitfalls. From marketing the teams to broadcasting the games to running your venue on game day, everywhere one turns there is a new challenge for the Canadian Premier League. And each of the teams face hurdles to overcome that are unique to their context.
    For Cavalry FC, their contextual challenges have included weather, transportation, and stadium creation. Their home base at Spruce Meadows required a significant amount of construction to get ready for this season including the construction of a large grandstand. Ian Allison, president and COO of Spruce Meadows Sports and Entertainment describes how the combination of weather and construction combined to negatively impact their playing surface.
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    Read more on the NSXI Network.
    El Diego
    Link:: https://wordpress.com/post/thefutureisstrikerless.wordpress.com/374
    Canada produced a stunning display to defeat their southern neighbours for the first time in over three decades, and while the effort on display deserves a lot of the praise there were also multiple tactical decisions that led Canada to a more than deserving victory.

    Rintaran
    Link:: https://www.northernstartingeleven.com/seatosea-podcast-the-above-and-beyond-brigade/
    It’s been a while, but the Sea-To-Sea Podcast is back with another episode. Hosted by Nathan Martin and Rob Notenboom, this episode features discussion around the women’s game in Canada, some Canadian Premier League Talk, and the excitement around the national team.
    The episode closes with an interview with a couple members of the Above and Beyond Brigade; a great program led by some Cavalry FC players to reach out to their community!
     
    Listen & subscribe on the NSXI Network.
    Rintaran
    Link:: https://www.northernstartingeleven.com/lcrv-209/
    The Loyal Company of the River Valley podcast is the result of Nathan and Adam just having a few conversations over some beverages about FC Edmonton. Eventually they just decided to add a couple microphones to these conversations and make it a podcast. While they may be lacking in the analytic knowledge, they certainly make up for it with passion and optimism with all things Eddies. #FearNoFoe
    --
    On this weeks episode, we go a little off topic with some nerd talk because not much has really happened in the league over the last week.
    We also look ahead to an unfortunately scheduled Al Classico and how it speaks to a larger topic we’ve focused on in the past with the schedule mishaps the league has had.
    We then talk about the other game this week against Pacific and the travelling contingent of FCE supporters that will be there.
    Listen & subscribe via the NSXI Network
    Rintaran
    Link:: https://www.northernstartingeleven.com/tfc-ii-in-d3-summer-swoon-leaves-young-reds-on-the-brink/
    Having escaped Richmond with a point for the first time in club history, Toronto FC II found further cause for muted celebration last Friday when they posted their first clean sheet for five games. The the 0-0 draw with Greenville Triumph was also the kids’ first goalless game of the season.
    Their last bore-draw was last September, in that riveting anti-climax of a season finale against the erstwhile Harrisburg City Islanders . Incidentally, Jordan Perruzza had as much luck in front of goal then as two weeks ago, not that there’s any shame in being shut out by the Upstate Boys’ notoriously stingy defence.
    Ironically, the local lines(wo)men were no help at all to the Young Reds. Previously reliable allies, the hosts were flagged offside as often as the visitors, including on a would-be injury-time winner by Mehdi Essoussi.
    The clean sheet was especially encouraging in that it felt genuinely earned. Instead of their opponents simply not turning up, or not being able to finish to save their lives (Lansing Ignite have done both), this was a solid – if occasionally haphazard – defensive effort.
    Eric Klenofsky redeemed himself for that clanger against Richmond, making some choice saves amid possible injuries to two centre-backs. After taking a ball to the chops late in the first half, Rocco Romeo was switched out for injury-list perennial Jelani Peters. The Trinidadian lasted all of fifteen minutes before making way for Noble Okello.
    --
    Read more on the NSXI Network
    Duane Rollins
    The stated goal of the Canadian Premier League is to develop Canadian talent while also helping soccer culture grow in each of the markets teams are located in.

    To speak to the former, this is the first monthly ranking list of the Top 25 Canadian players in the CanPL.

    Ultimately, the list is subjective. Please join the debate!

    The next list will be published on Sept 29th.


     
    Top 25 for Aug 29


     
    25th - Nico Pasquotti (1995-Winger-Calgary)

    The man with the throw leads off our top 25. A key player on a stacked Calvary side.

    24th - Anthony Novak (1994-Forward-Hamilton)

    The type of player that would have likely gone further in the game if only the league had started about 5 years earlier. Still, he’ll have a long career in CanPl should he wish with a great eye for goal.

    23rd – Ben Fisk (1993-Winger-Pacific)

    Always a fan favourite with the NASL Eddies, he has been a key veteran presence on an very young PFC. Another guy that will have a long run in CanPL if he wants.

    22nd - Nathan Ingham – (1993-GK-York)

    He would have been much higher a month ago, but recent mistakes drive him down. A passionate and cerebral player that might sometimes try a little too hard, but one of the league’s breakout players.  

    21st - Louis Béland-Goyette – (1995- Midfielder- Winnipeg)

    It’s been a frustrating year in Winnipeg, but you can see the talent is there. If Valour could stabilize Béland-Goyette could take off.

    20th -- Kadin Chung – (1998-full-back-Pacific)

    Chung has put himself solidly in the Olympic qualifying conversation. Pacific isn’t good – they are so very young – but you can’t help but love the opportunity they are giving players like Chung.  

    19th – David Edgar (1987-defender-Hamilton)

    We all love the youth, but there is something to be said about the importance of veterans coming home to finish their career. Edgar’s calming presence has been key to Forge’s recent form.     

    18th -- Mason Trafford – (1986-defender-Calgary)   

    Similar to Edgar, just with more time in the league. Not flashy, but key player on the best team in CanPL so far.

    17th – Kadell Thomas – (1996-Forward-Hamilton)

    Sadly just a little too old for Olympic consideration, but still young enough to move up a level. Needs more consistency. But, that goal, man.  

    16th -- Kwame Awuah (1995-Midfield/Wingback-Hamilton)

    He came in with high expectations and has delivered. Is it enough to return to MLS, or similar?

    15th – Matthew Arnone – (1994-defender-Halifax)

    Gritty and underrated due to Halifax’s struggles. The Wanderers have been particularly disappointing on the domestic talent front – Arnone has been an exception and a player that could be in the league for a long time.   

    14th -- Matthew Baldisimo – (1998-midfield-Pacific)

    If he’s not in the Olympic mix then someone should buy John Herdman an OneSoccer subscription. Another nice story out of Pacific.

    13th - Dominic Samuel – (1994-defender-Hamilton)

    Everyone talks about Forge’s attack. If they are to close the gap it will because the back-line caught up.

    12th -- Easton Ongaro – (1998-Forward-Edmonton)

    And trending up. Yes, he scores from 5-yards, but he scores. A lot. And he’s just getting started.  

    11th -- Luca Gasparotto—(1995-York-Defender)

    There have been a few OH MY GOD WHAT??? moments, but on the whole he’s been a rare bright spot for struggling York.

    10th – Connor James  - (1996-GK-Edmonton)

    Admit it. You didn’t think of James for this list. That’s because he just quietly goes out and does a solid job every game. Like a keeper should.  

    9th -- Elijah Adekugbe –(1996-midfielder-Calgary)

    If Canada wasn’t so stacked at his position, he would be in Herdman’s plans. Many in Canadian soccer have been waiting for Adekugbe to break out for a while. The wait is over.    

    8th –Kyle Bekker – (1990-midfielder-Hamilton)

    Many expected a bit more (and that others have surpassed him is a net positive for the league), but he’s hardly been poor. A key building block for Forge moving forward.

    7th – Dominick Zator – (1994-Defender-Calgary)

    A great example of how the Whitecaps failed to take advantage of talent in their system. A massive piece of the best team in the league.

    6th -- Terran Campbell – (1998—Forward—Pacific)

    “Whitecaps reject’ is a compliment, apparently. Olympic eligible and in the mix for the Golden Boot. Yummy.

    5th -- Noah Verhoeven – (1999-Midfielder-Pacific)

    The best all-around talent among the Pacific kids. If they can figure the depth out they will be a power in 2-3 years (unless the kids have been sold, which would also be wonderful). Also, are we looking forward to Olympic qualifying J?

    4th -- Marco Carducci – (1996-GK—calgary)

    A baby in Keeper years, Carducci is a good guess to the question ”Who will Canada start in goal in 2026?”

    3rd -- Michael Petrasso – (1995—Mid/wingback-Winnipeg)

    Winnipeg really missed him for periods of the season. He might have the best raw talent in the league.    

    2nd – Ryan Telfer – (1994-Winger-York)

    TFC is delighted with his progression. A true late bloomer, Telfer will almost certainly be playing at a higher level next year.  

    1st -- Tristan Borges – (1998-winger-Hamilton)

    Quite simply the best all-around player on this list and possibly in the entire league. With a bit more offensive consistency he could play a couple levels higher. And, he’s Olympic eligible

    Rintaran
    Link:: https://www.northernstartingeleven.com/l1o-playoff-review-expect-the-unexpected/
    “Three is the magic number”
    Last week I told you to expect the expected but maybe, just maybe, I spoke too soon because we have a few games on our hands here. Here’s a quick recap of the 1st legs.
    The only game that could be done and dusted is the game between this seasons two surprise packages Alliance and N.Miss. Alliance came out away from this away leg with a 3-1 victory. United stormed into a three-goal lead in an hour. Nicholas Osorio scoring the first and then setting up the next two for teammate Kevin Da Silva. N.Miss pulled one back with a ‘glol’ about 25 mins from time where Nicola Russo’s cross was ‘cleared’ by Kenny Lioutas but his header hit the head of Sebastian Lach who was challenging for the ball and it ended up back on net evading Denys Rylskyi and giving N.Miss a slight chance in the tie.
    This, of course, means that N.Miss would need to inflict on Alliance something that hasn’t happened all season to Ilya Orlov’s side and that is to beat them by two goals. The Panthers were one of the sides to score more than one goal against Alliance during the season, although on that day Alliance scored three, so it is possible if they can keep it tight at the back. That said, Alliance could be without several the players if Orlov’s recent tweet is anything to go by as they will be heading back to Uni. It will be interesting to see what this team that has stayed pretty consistent, player turn over wise, all-season look like in the second leg and onwards. I know form the commentary during the London game that a few of the Western boys are allowed to continue with the playoffs as long as the university team comes first, I wonder if coach Orlov could make similar concessions to his players as he is the coach of both UofT and Alliance?
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    Read more on the NSXI Network.
    Rintaran
    Link:: https://www.northernstartingeleven.com/petrassos-return-breathes-new-life-into-valour-fc/
    It was a long and treacherous road for Rob Gale’s Valour FC throughout June and July, when key player Michael Petrasso missed out on 7 consecutive league matches through injury. In those 7 matches, Valour picked up a measly 2 points, plummeting to the bottom of the Spring season table, and giving them a less-than-impressive start to the Fall season as well.
    It became clear in the first few weeks of the season that Petrasso is Valour’s ‘X-Factor’. He assisted the clubs first ever goal, scored their first ever goal at home, assisted the only goal in a win against Edmonton, and caused problems for the opposition every time he stepped onto the pitch.
    You would expect nothing less from a Canadian international, though.
    The former Queen’s Park Rangers and Toronto FC youth product was by far the biggest signing made by Valour ahead of their inaugural Canadian Premier League season, and he became one of just a handful of players league-wide who had represented Canada at senior international level. Throughout his career, Petrasso has made a name for himself as a “chameleon”-type player, who is able to fill in at multiple positions across the pitch whenever required.
    This trend has continued with Valour, as Petrasso has been used as a right-back, left-winger, right-winger, attacking midfielder, and a centre-forward in a front 2, throughout his minimal appearances for the team. Last season with Montreal Impact in the MLS, Petrasso was used solely as a right-back. His desire to play in more attacking roles led him to the CPL, to work with his former Canada U20 manager, Rob Gale.
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    Read more on the NSXI Network
    Rintaran
    Link:: https://www.northernstartingeleven.com/cpl-to-2020-ccl-mid-aug/
    The Voyageur's Cup semi-finals are complete, and so is the preliminary round of the 2019 CONCACAF League.

    The field of potential Canadian Premier League teams to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League halved this month, with only 1 side surviving an increasingly congested schedule to advance to their next round of competition.

    Voyageur's Cup Update

    Cavalry FC faced off against their 2nd MLS opponent, Montreal Impact, in the Voyageur's Cup semi-finals. Unlike the glacial melt caused by the Whitecaps' tire fire, the Impact have been on-and-off all season in the MLS, and promised a more difficult challenge.

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    Read more on the NSXI Network.
    Rintaran
    Link:: https://www.northernstartingeleven.com/latest-episodes/red-green-2/
    The Red and Green Show is the unofficial official fan podcast which encompasses all things Cavalry FC. The podcast features guests who are connected with the CPL, upcoming opponents, as well as current Cavalry players.
    It is hosted by Joey Cavilla of Lethbridge, Alberta. Joey is a huge Juventus & Italian national-team supporter with a degree in political science from the Univeristy of Lethbridge. A current high school football coach, future teacher, and recreational soccer player, Joey is conversationally fluent in Spanish and looks to bring a fresh jump to Cavalry's course.
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