MIDFIELD MAESTRO

MARCO D’ONOFRIO ASSESSES THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY FROM THE MLS SEASON SO FAR FINISHED1ST

THE GOOD

The Canadian men's national team didn't just qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986, they did it in emphatic fashion by topping the CONCACAF qualification table. In finishing ahead of both Mexico and the United States, who are ranked ninth and 13th in the world respectively, the Canadians proved they are no longer anybody’s little brother. Les Rouges drew with both Mexico and the United States on the road, while pulling o massive victories on home soil against both sides. Although they did lose two of their last three games of qualification, the Canadians already knew the job had been done by then. "We can go into this World Cup with absolutely no fear," Canadian head coach John Herdman said after his team's final game of qualification against Panama. "No one really expects Canada to go and win it. I don't think many people would expect us to get out of the group... [But] we've travelled thousands of miles, we've played lots of minutes, we've kicked every ball, we've never quit, and we're on our way to Qatar. [We're] No. 1 in CONCACAF. I'll sleep well tonight." What makes the feat even more special is that so many players making the di erence on the international stage are currently plying their trade in Major League Soccer or were initially developed by the league. Alphonso Davies, Cyle Larin, Richie Laryea and Tajon Buchanan are all playing in Europe but originally came up through the ranks and made their name in MLS. As the Canadian men's national team aims for a successful new era and becomes more and more relevant in international competitions, MLS will continue to play a crucial role in the development and harnessing of young Canadian talent from across the country.

‘CANADA CAN GO INTO THIS WORLD CUP WITH ABSOLUTELY NO FEAR’

THE BAD

The United Soccer League (USL) has an ambitious and aggressive plan to one day surpass MLS as the top league in the United States. The last thing that the United States soccer scene needs though is more fragmentation and fighting amongst leagues who claim to have the best interest of players and teams at heart. Instead of working with MLS to help grow the game across the country, the USL is actively looking to compete with the league and one day surpass it. “It’s a very ambitious league, and we’ve got an aggressive and ambitious growth trajectory ahead for the league and its clubs,” USL President Jake Edwards said in an interview with The Bee. While Canada has the Canadian Premier League which sits at the top of the Canadian soccer pyramid, it only has three teams playing in MLS and the league was thought to be necessary in order to help get young Canadians more time on the pitch - which has proven to be the case thus far. Instead of competing with MLS or USL teams, the CPL has worked alongside teams in MLS to help young Canadians live out their dream of playing professionally in their own country. Currently, the USL has three divisions (Championship, League One and League Two) and unlike in MLS where there is no promotion or relegation, the USL uses a more traditional European format that sees teams move up or down based on their performance. “The USL is focused on both growth and di erentiation in the domestic landscape,” Edwards said. “Di erentiation from the MLS, di erentiation from other structures of sports here, as well as alignment with the global structure of the game of football, with the global norms of the structure of the sport.” The concern is whether the United States sports landscape really needs another domestic league and whether dividing fans and resources is the best way to develop the game from coast-to-coast.

After being sent o for receiving his second yellow card against Costa Rica, Canadian international Mark-Anthony Kaye was subject to verbal and racial abuse online by unwelcome "supporters". Canada had the opportunity to clinch their first World Cup berth in 36 years in Costa Rica but were unable to do so after falling 1-0 to Los Ticos at Estadio Nacional. "Canada Soccer strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at a member of our squad on social media," the Canadian Soccer Association said in a statement. "Such vile and disgusting behaviour is unacceptable. Full stop. We will do all we can to support our players -- who have given everything to represent our country honourably -- while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible." It was a stark reminder that even in a country as diverse as Canada, racism still exists and can become prevalent at any time. The 27-year-old has played a key part in Canada's qualifying campaign, but those ignorant folks hurling abuse his way didn't seem to care. Canada's head coach John Herdman spoke to members of the media following the contest in Costa Rica and made it abundantly clear that the Colorado Rapids' midfielder had the support of the entire locker room. He explained just how much guilt Kaye was feeling over being shown a red card. "I just had a moment with him (at half-time) and said 'Look, (it's) football, we learn. Pressure does things to people. It's normal. We love you. You're our brother. And we move forward. We'll fight again together.' That was it. "I mean, the lad's devastated. Absolutely devastated. He knows what that meant tonight." Regardless of what happens on the pitch, there is never an excuse for such horrific comments that are made online and through social media.

‘IT WAS A STARK REMINDER THAT EVEN IN A COUNTRY AS DIVERSE AS CANADA, RACISM STILL EXISTS’

LEFT & TOP (OPPOSITE PAGE): The Canadian international was subject to racist abuse online after being sent o with two yellow cards against Costa Rica.

RIGHT & BOTTOM (OPPOSITE PAGE): The USL President has ambitious plans to grow and expand the ever growing league.

LEFT: While the Brampton native is currently playing in Turkey’s top league with Besiktas, he began his professional career with Orlando City after being drafted first overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.

ABOVE: The young Canadian midfielder is expected to play a big role in the national team for years to come

BELOW: The season is still young, but the Italian tactician is quickly running out of time to turn things around in Vancouver.

GOING UP

Ismael Kone has made quite the name for himself already, despite only making his professional debut with CF Montreal on February 22. The 19-year-old Canadian is already being touted as the heir to long-time stalwart Atiba Hutchinson with the national team and has become an important part in Montreal’s lineup in MLS.

GOING DOWN

It’s been a horrific start to the season for the Vancouver Whitecaps, who have struggled to get the year started the way they would have liked. Losing three of their first four opening games and drawing the other isn’t exactly how head coach Vanni Sartini envisioned his first full season in charge to start.