Canadian Premier League hopes to ride Canada soccer wave into new season
TORONTO — The Canadian Premier League kicks off its fourth season Thursday with soccer in the spotlight in the wake of the men’s World Cup qualification.
After two seasons disrupted by the pandemic, the eight-team domestic league has been buoyed by a more normal pre-season — and the hope that it too can ride the soccer wave set by the Canadian men and Olympic champion women.
“It’s fantastic for the game and the country,” said York United FC head coach Martin Nash, who won 38 caps for Canada between 1997 and 2008. “Where the (national) men’s and women’s program is right now, I think young kids coming up, they’re in a great generation.”
York United opens the CPL season Thursday at home to Halifax’s HFX Wanderers FC. On Saturday it’s Calgary’s Cavalry FC at Atletico Ottawa.