It was mostly a new group of players, and mostly the same sinking feeling.
That sums up Canada’s 1-0 loss to Martinique on Sunday in the opening match of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. With many of Canada’s veterans left off the roster, through choice or necessity, this should have been an opportunity for the next generation to step up.
Instead, the Reds were shocked by a rocket of a goal Fabrice Reuperne on the last kick of the match. Given how the game went, the final score was more than a fair result, as Martinique outplayed Canada.
Rather than the beginning of the healing process after the team imploded in spectacular fashion during World Cup qualifying, this result served as something of a reality check – the possibility that the men’s team has not yet travelled through its darkest days.
Still, there were a few half-promising performances. Here’s the report card.
GOALKEEPER
Milan Borjan (C+): As we’ve seen before from Borjan, his ball-handling left a lot to be desired at times, as he inadvertently created direct chances for Martinique on a few occasions. That said, he made several excellent saves to deny Martinique the lead before the breakthrough in the last minute of stoppage time. Left out to dry by his defenders more than once.
DEFENDERS
Marcel De Jong (D): While he showed a willingness to get down the flanks to support the attack, his final delivery was often poor and he struggled with the ball at his feet. He needs to avoid making stupid defensive errors too – a tired stab at the ball in the 90th minute led to a great opportunity for Martinique to take the lead.
Doneil Henry (C): Struggled to contain the onrush at times, but not a terrible outing for the young Toronto FC centre back. Had a couple of good clearances, although he did get beat on a few one-on-one situations. He also kept his head throughout – a major accomplishment for him based on recent outbursts in MLS.
David Edgar (C-): Edgar had Canada’s best scoring chance of the match on a header that glanced over the crossbar. Arguably the most polished and reliable defender Canada can rely on at the moment, but like so many of his teammates on Sunday, he didn’t play his best. Provided a few nice balls forward from the backline to attempt to start the attack, though.
Nik Ledgerwood (C-): Got beat badly on a couple of occasions, notably by Martinique forward Steve Gustan in the 49th minute. Ledgerwood is usually somewhat competent wherever he’s deployed, but he’s hardly an inspiring option at right full back. Allowed attackers to cut inside too easily.
MIDFIELDERS
Samuel Piette (D): Committed an early foul to give up a free kick just beyond the edge of the box, got beaten badly in leading to a dangerous Martinique attack in the 21st minute, and got away with a borderline penalty. A shaky performance, though to be fair, he is 18-years-old. The fact that he’s starting for the squad speaks to the lack of depth on the roster at this tournament.
Julian de Guzman (F): Played a few nice balls into space. Otherwise, he looked a step behind the pace of the match for most of it. Not close to the quality of the performances de Guzman has put in for the national team, even in recent history. They need him to be better to avoid being blown out by their next two opponents.
Russell Teibert (B+): As bright of a spot as there was for Canada on this day, Teibert continues his meteoric rise through the ranks and was probably the Reds’ man of the match. He gave Martinique right back Nicolas Zaire real problems, and set up a David Edgar header in the 66th minute for what was Canada’s best scoring chance.
Will Johnson (C): A game-time decision due to food poisoning or the flu, it was obvious that Johnson wasn’t at his best. Still provided decent deliveries on a couple of corner kicks but didn’t have the influence that he would normally be expected to bring. He’ll be better when he’s feeling healthy again.
Tossaint Ricketts (D): A typical Ricketts performance for Canada – lots of running with little to show for it. Combined with Julian de Guzman on a clumsy challenge to give up a dangerous free kick and was unable to utilize his substantial pace against a less-than-world-class Martinique backline.
FORWARDS
Marcus Haber (C-): Undoubtedly a frustrating day for the big man up top. Had a couple decent chances but his impact was limited due to a lack of quality service. Showed some decent hold up play, mostly during the first half, but faded in the second.
SUBS
Simeon Jackson: Provided a little bit of a spark after entering the match with some footwork and energy, but couldn’t help produce a breakthrough for Canada.
Jonathan Osorio: Didn’t get much of a chance to make an impact; would be interesting to see if him and Teibert could develop some chemistry in the midfield.