CanMNT’s World Cup qualifying opener 🇨🇦⚽️ + Ottawa-HFX shenanigans & CPL roundup

In the latest episode of the CanPL.ca Newsroom, hosts Kristian Jack, Charlie O’Connor Clarke, Benedict Rhodes, Marty Thompson, and Brady Reid tee up the Canadian men’s national team’s massive week as they open the final round of 2022 World Cup qualifying.

The gang discusses the Canada squad called by John Herdman (5:01) hashes out a projected XI (8:08) vs. Honduras (7:30pm ET on OneSoccer) and debate how many points it would take for, dare we say it, Canada’s qualification for the World Cup.

Up next is Canadian Premier League action, starting with Forge FC’s swashbuckling win over York United Saturday (20:31). How has Woobens Pacius become such an integral part of this Hamilton squad and, a more theoretical question spurred on by Barton St. Battalion, who are Forge FC?

Next is Atletico Ottawa’s 2-2 draw to HFX Wanderers FC (26:29) in a match that defies description or logic. Regardless, Marty tries to parse Ryan Telfer’s red card and yet another match in which Stephen Hart’s Wanderers side dropped points.

Sunday’s second of three matches on the day, Al Classico between FC Edmonton vs. Cavalry FC (34:02), brought a debate among the guys with Charlie gushing over Joe Mason and others simply commiserating with an FC Edmonton side that just can’t quite crack their Albertan rivals.

Finally, Pacific FC’s 3-2 win over Valour FC (39:29) as the Tridents continue the momentum from their Canadian Championship midweek victory. Has Terran Campbell found a new gear and just what went wrong for Valour?