Canada Continues Goal-less Run

Canada’s 1-0 loss at Jamaica has to go down as a disappointment, but hopefully it leaves something to build on. Ever since a semi-successful Gold Cup in 2009 where Canada played four decent games the results and performances from our national team have certainly been below par. First we were dominated in the 3-0 loss at Macedonia (but let’s write that one off because it was fixed), then there was the 1-0 loss to Poland which could have been much worse and now this loss at Jamaica. Sure it is three straight away matches, and three straight matches where Canada did not have a full squad, but it is three very poor results and outings.

The problem as always is the lack of spark. Canada created very few chances against Poland or Macedonia (aside from the penalties which we now know were not deserved), and from the sounds of it they created very little against Jamaica. I hoped that having DeRosario and Johnson back in the squad would help, but of course both of them were injured for the Jamaica match. For me this are two key players who need to start playing consistently for Canada this year, because we may be heavily relying on them come 2014.

Now all I have to go on evaluating what went on in Jamaica was a radio stream with two very interesting commentators who had an obsession with the name Massih Wassey and were on about the “muscular Ali Gerba”. Very interesting indeed. From what I gather through Jamaica had most of the ball (the CSA twitter confirmed this) but only managed the one goal and didn’t put to much pressure on the Canadian net. The two positives to take from this. That probably means Jakovic and Hainault put in good shifts which is no surprise considering how consistent Jakovic has been for the Canadian national team in recent performances. The other bright spot is the debut of keeper David Monsalve who by all accounts made a few good saves and was solid in the back. Following the betrayal of a certain keeper who now applies his trade at Tottenham, depth at the keeper position needs to be addressed before 2012.

In the end a poor result and a poor performance for Canada, but a few young kids got a run out and we played a game after a week long camp. We’re two years away from World Cup Qualifying and the sooner we start putting together good performances the better, but right now I’m not hitting the panic button.