Canada falls to U.S. in CONCACAF Nations League final, Herdman calls for more resources
Canadian men's trophy drought continues since Gold Cup win in 2000
In the moments ahead of their first final in 23 years, several veteran members of Canada's men's national soccer team appeared to have watering eyes as the national anthems blared through Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday.
Canada fell 2-0 to the United States in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League, the second edition of a tournament which replaced international friendlies in the region and put another trophy in the mix for men's national teams.
But in the moments after the loss, a frustrated John Herdman, the Canadian men's coach since 2018, challenged the country's soccer organization to be better as it prepares to co-host the men's World Cup in 2026.
"We've got to get serious about winning a World Cup [in 2026]. When you play at home you get a chance to win it," Herdman said in reference to Canada Soccer, which has undergone a complete overhaul of its leadership.
"We've brought a World Cup to our country and we're not serious about winning it," he added, his voice rising. "And you see how close that team is tonight. Tactically, we were there. Chances, shots, we were there. The margins were so tight tonight, so tight. We've got to get real. We've got to get real. And quick.
"Because these players, they deserve it. They deserve their shot. The country deserves it. All the people that worked to bring it [the World Cup to Canada] deserve the shot. Let's get after it. We're close."
WATCH | U.S. defeats Canada in CONCACAF Nations League final:
The U.S. opened the scoring 11 minutes into the match when Chris Richards eluded a defender in the 18-yard box before heading Gio Reyna's corner kick past Canada's Milan Borjan. The Americans added to their lead in the 34th minute as Reyna set up Folarin Balogun for his first international goal after choosing to represent the U.S. over England.
On one side, Canada's men's team is youthful, brimming with world-class talent, with more exciting youngsters on the way up. Sunday also proved to be a generational shift for Canada, as Atiba Hutchinson, the team's 40-year-old captain from Brampton, Ont., hung up his cleats after a national team career that spanned two decades and 104 appearances.
Coming off their first World Cup appearance in 36 years in Qatar, the opportunity to play for a trophy for the first time since winning the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup was invaluable for a shifting Canadian group, as the likes of 21-year-old Ismaël Koné and Alphonso Davies, 22, continue to lead the team into the next generation.
Canada reached the final of the competition with a 2-0 win over Panama on Thursday, where Ottawa's Jonathan David and Edmonton's Davies both scored. Meanwhile, the U.S. knocked off Mexico 3-0 in a contentious semifinal featuring four red cards.
WATCH | Davies's powerful shot seals semifinal win over Panama:
Although Canada had earned their way to the final, they appeared nervous, taking a half-second too long to make a decision or adding too much weight to a pass, not showcasing the level of play that earned them the top spot through World Cup qualifying.
While they settled into the match in the second half, it was not enough for a victory in their first international final, despite seven squad members winning trophies with their clubs this season.
In midfield, Canada's next generation took the torch and dove into the pressures of a final. With veterans looking on from the bench and a 35-year-old Borjan in goal, Koné and Stephen Eustaquio took the reigns in Canada's critical moment alongside the likes of Davies, Scott Kennedy, Alistair Johnston, Kamal Miller, and David, all of whom will be 30 or younger for the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Preparations holding Canada back
For Herdman, a coach fixated on the game's smaller details, the lack of preparation time is critical for Canada's ability to take the next step. The U.S. had a week-long training camp before the Nations League finals, while Canada had four days to prepare for two matches in a tight window.
"It's not a secret the organization has been suffering financially. Even through the World Cup qualification and your head coach is raising money to make sure we've got charter flights [and] security on those charter flights," Herdman said, "We've the best generation of players we've had and there's more coming. You can see it. Young [Ismael] Kone just dropped out of the sky, Tajon Buchanan just dropped out of the sky, Ali Johnston. It's coming.
"We've got to figure this out financially."
While the preparations could improve for Canada heading into future tournaments, the experience of playing in significant matches against testing opposition is another key for Herdman as he continues to lead the Canadian men toward 2026.
Now, as Hutchinson steps aside as the all-time appearance leader, he leaves the program in a better place than he found it, with world-class talents and legitimate chances for trophies.
Canada will have a chance at another trophy, kicking off the CONCACAF Gold Cup on June 27 against Guatemala, Cuba, and a team yet to qualify, where they are expected to send a group with less experience but brimming with a desire to lift a trophy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from The Canadian Press
