One of the most chaotic windows in the history of Canada’s men’s national team ended on Monday after Canada lost 2-1 to Honduras in San Pedro Sula in the action of the League of Nations Concacaf.
The defeat leaves Canada three points ahead of first place in Group C of League A, albeit with one game in hand. The last two matches of the team will be played in March 2023.
But Canada has higher priorities. Unless Canada Soccer can conclude three friendly matches in September, there are probably only two Canadian games left to prepare for the World Cup.
A labor dispute dominated the first week of the June window, leading to another canceled friendly match, costing the team an extra match and two training sessions worth of preparation, so every moment counts from now until November.
Here are three things we learned from losing Monday.
With water board
It is difficult to extract anything from a game in which a torrential downpour makes the terrain impossible to play. Players on both sides were constantly slipping, the ball was caught in large puddles in the dribble, which did not allow smooth play.
But that hasn’t changed Canada’s strategy.
Thursday’s victory over Curacao showed the Reds giving priority to quick, direct passes through the flanks and early crosses, although they seem to have relied on keeping the ball on the ground.
When the terrain is as heavy as the terrain in San Pedro Sula, crossing directly usually gives more chances to score. Canada still had a few decent chances, the best of which was created by Junior Hoylet four minutes later, and then he created a great opportunity for Ike Ugbo. However, Ugbo caught the ball under his feet in a puddle. It is fair to assume that normal conditions on the field would allow the attacker to receive a blow to the door, if not to score.
One team adjusted to the conditions, played more directly and justifiably won the match. This is necessary if the teams want to succeed on the road in Konkakaf. Canada may have had other priorities at night, but this served as a stark reminder that taking these trips for granted can cost every visitor.
Hoilett reaffirms its value
There is a reason Junior Hoylet leans into the hostile atmosphere in Concacaf. It is a soothing presence that constantly produces goods.
No other Canadian player has had as many key passes (3), shots (2) and expected goals (0.27) from Hoylet. The 31-year-old was the only candle for the country in adverse conditions, but he did not let that stop him.
It will be difficult to break through a lineup when competing with Alfonso Davis, Tajon Buchanan, Sayle Larin, Jonathan David and others, but make no mistake: Hoylet is an extremely valuable player on this team.
The final product was not shown on Monday, but more often Hoilett regularly maneuvers through tight spaces and advances the ball in promising areas. He will certainly influence the process in Qatar.
David is approaching the record
Syle Larin may have broken the men’s national team record of all time, but Jonathan David is breathing down his neck.
The latest consolation for David was his 21st goal in his 31st game for Canada, holding him in third place of all time, but he is only three times behind Larin after Monday’s strike.
Both strikers were noticeably rusty on Thursday against Curacao, as they seemed to hesitate in the penalty area when the ball landed at their feet. This was not a problem for David with his only clear opportunity on Monday.
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