sloth8

Six player signings announced today including Mohamed Kourouma and Ben McKendry: https://canpl.ca/article/atletico-ottawa-completes-2020-roster-with-6-signings-including-kourouma-mckendry The article also confirms that Bernardino, Shaw, and Dada-Luke did not travel to P.E.I. and will not compete at The Island Games.

Fleming has signed a 3-year contract with Chelsea. https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2020/07/22/chelsea-fc-women-sign-canadian-jessie-fleming

Of note, the FA is also running a hiring process right now to replace Phil Neville. Applications for the job close in June. Although Neville's contract goes until the summer of 2021, his successor will likely take over before that. Ellis is named a favourite by the BBC. We will see what happens with Priestman. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53184924

Based on the bid evaluation report published by FIFA earlier in the month, it sounds like Australia and New Zealand are a lock. Especially, considering that Japan has withdrawn its bid. The Colombian bid received a low score and the report said that significant investments would be required.

The job posting on the CSA website is open until June 30, 2020. So, I don't think we are going to hear anything before then. The requirements include an "A" licence and international coaching experience. https://www.canadasoccer.com/job-opportunities-s16037

Well I would love to see a big name hire like that, I suspect the CSA will stick with the in-house hire and promote Rhian Wilkinson from her assistant and U-20 role.

Can't say I am disappointed. The team never really played well during his tenure - especially going forward. Here's hoping the squad will be re-energized with a new manager.

Very open and honest interview with Hume. Among many things he talks about the preparation for this game and says that it was not Hart's fault. See 28:50

Ottawa Sun interview with Jeff Hunt: https://ottawasun.com/sports/soccer/the-real-jeff-hunt-says-things-about-to-get-busy-for-atletico-ottawa Describes the behind-the-scenes activity necessary to open the business and get the club up and running. Plan is to announce season ticket pricing this week (Wednesday or Thursday). He would like to announce one player signing per day leading up to training camp on March 11. Hunt hints at 8 players having already been signed.

Neil Davidson interview with CEO Fernando Lopez about the tight deadline to put a team together: https://www.tsn.ca/deadlines-aplenty-for-atletico-ottawa-as-it-builds-canadian-premier-league-expansion-team-1.1447828 "Lopez expects to make player announcements in the next two weeks"

They now need to win against Jamaica to claim first in the group. They have looked listless in attack both games.

The full schedule has been released. Really unbalanced schedule in terms of home games. Only 5 of their first 17 games are at home (April through July). Then 9 of their final 11 games are at home (August through October).

What's weird about that article is that it says Canada is 18 points behind when it is only 14. It also says that the most points a team can earn in one window is 8 points (4 points for each win). I am not sure where the author is getting his information from, but I would think their FA has a better handle on how FIFA points are calculated.

I have only seen the Canadian Press article about it: https://www.tsn.ca/canada-soccer-schedules-news-conference-amidst-speculation-of-international-game-1.1442327 Press conference is supposed to be at 11h00 PST/14h00 EST

Delayed until 12:20