CPL Newsroom

Beyond the Pitch: HFX Wanderers forward João Morelli

In the latest episode of Beyond the Pitch, CanPL.ca and OneSoccer’s Kristian Jack sits down with the Canadian Premier League’s current golden boot leader, HFX Wanderers attacker João Morelli ahead of his club’s massive 2021 Canadian Championship quarterfinal against CF Montreal Wednesday (5pm ET/6pm AT live on OneSoccer).

João talks about that big upcoming match, how the city of Halifax has boosted his exploits on the pitch, and his near-death experience as a child after a tragic zipline accident.

The two also discuss Brazilian football, Morelli’s fondness of "the real Ronaldo" and how young João ended up in "dark" northern England, something that endlessly fascinates fellow northerner KJ.

• 4:16 – How the city of Halifax has become Morelli’s secret weapon: "You feel comfortable here."
• 5:46 – How some unfriendly games of keep-away and Brazilian Ronaldo inspired a six-year-old João to get into football.
• 9:05 – João discusses a terrifying ziplining accident that nearly took his life as a child: "I thought I was going to die that day."
• 15:35 – How João went from realizing he could be a footballer at 15 to… Moving to Northern England
• 19:01 – KJ levels with João about what’s like in the north: "I had to go back home after living in Blackpool."
• 24:11 – João discusses his northern English twang in his voice: "If I would have done this interview three years ago you wouldn’t understand my accent."
• 25:10 – How João’s attacking versatility has led to a golden boot-leading season thus far: "The less defending the better for a Brazilian."
• 29:04 – Morelli on playing CF Montreal: "I really feel like we have the qualities to go through… Obviously, on paper they are favourites but football is crazy."

Valour resurgence, York-HFX draw close, CanChamp lookahead 🏆

In the latest episode of the CanPL.ca Newsroom, Kristian Jack, Marty Thompson, Charlie O’Connor-Clarke, and Benedict Rhodes recap the week’s CanPL matches – three league draws – and look ahead to the 2021 Canadian Championship quarterfinal Super Wednesday with HFX Wanderers-CF Montreal, Toronto FC-York United, and Cavalry FC-Pacific FC.

York United + HFX playoff push weekend 👑🌊

In the latest episode of the CanPL.ca Newsroom, hosts Marty Thompson, Charlie O’Connor Clarke, and Kristian Jack take on a formative weekend in the CanPL season as York United and HFX Wanderers post emphatic wins in the race for the playoffs.

First off, the gang gushes over golden boot leader Joao Morelli and his mighty Wanderers after a 2-1 win over Atlético Ottawa (2:43) before turning to Mista’s men – positives to take from a rough run of form.

Next up was York’s tireless win over 905 Derby rivals Forge FC (14:05) – their second such victory against the defending champions. Plaudits to The Nine Stripes’ work ethic, led by Max Ferrari, rightfully follow. 

Finally, Pacific FC’s 3-1 dousing of Cavalry FC (26:10) left Tommy Wheeldon Jr. in a sorry state – and gave the Newsroom lots to pour over. Terran Campbell’s goalscoring form continues and, I mean, who really needs Marco Bustos… Just kidding!

Plus, KJ, Charlie, and Marty do an off-the-field catchup, covering everything from, uhh, cat problems, Michael Schumacher, and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Beyond the Pitch: CanMNT‘s Mark-Anthony Kaye 🇨🇦⚽️

In the latest episode of CanPL.ca Newsroom’s Beyond the Pitch, CanPL.ca and OneSoccer’s Kristian Jack sits down with Canadian men’s national team midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye ahead of Canada’s crucial World Cup qualifier against El Salvador Wednesday (7:30pm ET/live on OneSoccer and Sportsnet).

Kaye opens up about his trade in MLS and how Canada helped him embrace Colorado Rapids, what’s the story behind Kaye’s belting national anthem, and why Mark thinks of his mom when dreaming of qualifying for the World Cup.

Beyond the Pitch: CanMNT and CF Montreal‘s Kamal Miller 🇨🇦⚽️

In the latest episode of CanPL.ca Newsroom’s Beyond the Pitch, CanPL.ca and OneSoccer’s Kristian Jack sits down with Canadian men’s national team and CF Montreal defender Kamal Miller to discuss his rise to becoming a starting centreback for club and country ahead of Canada’s crucial World Cup qualifier against El Salvador Wednesday (7:30pm ET/live on OneSoccer and Sportsnet).

Kamal explains why he and former Beyond the Pitch guest Alistair Johnston come together before big matches for a special handshake, how elements of Canada’s current backline make his life easier, and when he knew Tajon Buchanan was the real deal… All the way back to their time at Syracuse University.

CanMNT-USA: Post-match livestream special! 🍁⚽

CanPL.ca's Kristian Jack and Charlie O'Connor-Clarke were joined live by OneSoccer analysts Oliver Platt and Gareth Wheeler on YouTube immediately following the Canadian men's national team's 2022 World Cup qualifying tilt with the United States in Nashville, Tennesse Sunday – a match that saw Les Rouges snatch a 1-1- draw with their American rivals.

Beyond the Pitch: CanMNT‘s Samuel Piette 🇨🇦⚽️

In the latest episode of CanPL.ca Newsroom’s Beyond the Pitch, CanPL.ca and OneSoccer’s Kristian Jack sits down with Canadian men's national team midfielder Samuel Piette to discuss his career to date with Canada, how the squad has changed since he made his debut almost a decade ago, and what playing the United States on Sunday (7:30pm ET/TSN) will mean to him.

CanMNT vs. Honduras dissection + CanPL midweek roundup

In the latest episode of the CanPL.ca Newsroom, hosts Marty Thompson, Charlie O’Connor Clarke, Benedict Rhodes, and Brady Reid dissect the Canadian men’s national team’s opening match in the final round of 2022 World Cup qualifying – a 1-1 draw with Honduras.

The gang does in-depth on coach John Herdman’s tactical shifts, Alistair Johnston’s brilliant play in defence, Milan Borjan’s importance to the team, and, of course, just what to make of Canada’s first foray into the Concacaf final round in over two decades.

Plus, a quick CanPL midweek review including commiseration for FC Edmonton as they failed to win another Al Classico derby vs. Cavalry FC, and how Atletico Ottawa keeps finding ways to get results at home, this time against York United.

Beyond the Pitch: CanMNT‘s Maxime Crepeau 🇨🇦⚽️

In the latest episode of CanPL.ca Newsroom’s Beyond the Pitch, CanPL.ca and OneSoccer’s Kristian Jack sits down with the Canadian men’s national team and Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau for a quick catch up as his side is set to open the final round of 2022 World Cup qualifying Thursday against Honduras (7:30pm ET, live on OneSoccer & Sportsnet) at BMO Field in Toronto.

Crepeau talks about taking the gloves at the Gold Cup, how Canada training makes him a better ‘keeper, and how Les Rouges’ brotherhood can be seen both on and off the field.

Subscribe for more Beyond the Pitch episodes with Canadian men’s national team players as they take in three matches in the “Oct” – away to the United States on Sunday (8pm ET) and back home vs. El Salvador next Wednesday (7:30pm ET).

• 5:09 – Crepeau talks about coming back from a difficult injury layoff going into a Gold Cup where he played every game: ‘It’s all about momentum’=
• 7:14 – "Our mindset is being in the top three… It’s going to be a journey, these 14 games."
• 9:13 – Crepeau dishes on Canada training: ‘When you have finishers like Alphonso [Davies], Lucas Cavallini, Jonathan David… It really challenges you to be the best at training."
• 11:23 – "We’ve put [other Concacaf teams] on notice – not just with our skill but with our discipline."
• 13:36 – Crepeau talks about coach John Herdman’s "project" with the men’s team: "There’s been a lot of work done."
• 17:22 – Facing the United States now vs. the previous years? "Narrative… It’s changing and both teams know."
• 18:31 – Kristian asks about some, uh, shenanigans vs. Mexico in the Gold Cup semi-finals: "There’s no smoke without a fire."

Beyond the Pitch: CanMNT‘s Jonathan Osorio 🇨🇦⚽️

In the latest episode of CanPL.ca Newsroom’s Beyond the Pitch, CanPL.ca and OneSoccer’s Kristian Jack sits down with Canadian men’s national team veteran Jonathan Osorio in a dramatic evaluation of Canada’s rise in international football ahead of the opening match of "the Oct" against Honduras on Thursday (7:30pm ET, live on OneSoccer).

In a must-listen for Canadian soccer fans, the Toronto FC midfielder discusses his role as a leader, how this team’s belief in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has changed their results on the pitch, and how an otherwise heartbreaking loss to Mexico at this Summer's Gold Cup left him "excited" for what’s to come.

• 3:01 – Osorio on this Canada team vs. ones of the past: "We treat each other like brothers… Others triumphs are treated like our own."
• 7:28 – "We’re worth millions of dollars now, but it wasn’t long ago when we weren’t anything."
• 10:37 – Osorio speaks of being John Herdman’s Swiss Army Knife, slotting in midfield, out wide, and up top…
• 14:27 – Which Manchester City does Oso model himself on? Take a guess…
• 17:01 – How Canada was taken by Concacaf opponents at the Gold Cup: "Wow, we’re playing a team that’s better than we thought."
• 21:11 – Why Canada’s loss to Mexico was different: "There was excitement for what’s to come."
• 22:56 – What’s the difference between thinking you could win vs. hoping you can win?
• 25:02 – Osorio on returning home to play "the most significant games in over 20 years."
• 26:13 – "Qatar 2022 is an expectation now – we’re not just hoping for it."
• 28:50 – What would it mean for Jonathan to qualify: "It would mean everything."