Despite lowly ranking, Canadian men make their mark in world soccer
TORONTO — The past, present and future of Canadian soccer was on show Thursday ahead of a weekend friendly with Jamaica.
And while some disparage — or worse, ignore — the 95th-ranked Canadian men, it was an impressive array of talent.
Former national team captain Paul Stalteri represented the (recent) past. The 39-year-old forward-turned-fullback, the first Canadian to score in the Bundesliga and a veteran of the English Premier League, will be honoured at Saturday’s match at BMO Field for his induction into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame.
Current skipper Atiba Hutchinson, along with Cardiff City winger Junior Hoilett, represented the present. At 34, Hutchinson is still playing at the highest level — marshalling forces for Turkish champion Besiktas domestically and in the Champions League.