CPL Newsroom

Jubilant Edmonton, Cavalry & Valour carrying momentum at The Kickoff

In the latest episode of the CanPL.ca Newsroom, the CanPL.ca editorial crew of Kristian Jack, Charlie O’Connor Clarke, Brady Reid, Benedict Rhodes, and Marty Thompson digest a blistering second matchweek at The Kickoff in Winnipeg.

First up, the gang take off from FC Edmonton’s historic 2-0 victory over Forge FC (4:20) Thursday – the club’s first win in over 600 days. From stanch defending to Ramon Soria and Jeannot Esua’s goals, Alan Koch’s first win in CanPL was one to be remembered. Forge, on the other hand, lose back-to-back matches without scoring for the first time ever – what needs to change for the two-time defending champions?

Next up is York United and Pacific FC’s highly-entertaining 2-2 draw (15:05). What’s to like about York’s young group? What about Pa-Modou Kah’s Pacific side – how did they handle their cagey affair?

Cavalry FC’s 4-1 romp over Atlético Ottawa followed (23:01), with Charlie gushing over Tommy Wheeldon Jr. and his side’s ability to press and pass freely (second-most passes completed in CPL history, we may add). How did Cavalry seem to out-fit an Ottawa side with a proper pre-season so effectively and, after two wins from two, are they early favourites?

Finally, we needed to talk about Valour FC and specifically Rob Gale, who captured their second-straight 2-0 win Wednesday by dispatching HFX Wanderers (34:11). Just how long can the Winnipeg side continue this underdog narrative with Andrew Jean-Baptiste and standout midfielder Raph Ohin – dubbed the Winnipeg Kante by Gale – among their ranks?

Plus, the gang banter through an extra time segment: Greatest goal you’ve ever scored? Which celebrity will Gale mention in his next press conference?

Welcome back: 2021 CPL season opening weekend roundtable!

New season, new newsroom!

In the latest episode of the CanPL.ca Newsroom, the CanPL.ca editorial crew of Kristian Jack, Charlie O’Connor Clarke, Brady Reid, Benedict Rhodes, and Marty Thompson cap off the first week of action from the 2021 Canadian Premier League season played out in Winnipeg, Manitoba at IG Field.

First up, the gang recaps Atletcio Ottawa’s late win over FC Edmonton in the season opener – did Ottawa’s “M, M, and M” midfield deliver? What positives can we take from Alan Koch’s first match in charge of the Eddies?

Next up was Pacific FC’s comprehensive 2-0 win over HFX Wanderers FC. Marco Bustos’ blast and a Steven Gerrard-like thump from Ollie Basset stole the show on the pitch.

Valour FC taking down two-time defending Forge FC Sunday was another highlight – especially with Rob Gale’s cagey comments to the media afterward. Did we underestimate Winnipeg? The gang reacts to Gale’s clips.

Finally, the gang caps things off with Cavalry FC taking down a new-look York United side… but all the talk revolves around Jose Escalante, who played a big part in both Cavs goals. Welcome back to the CPL, Jose!

Atlético Ottawa & Wanderers preview + The Kickoff's opening weekend 🎉⚽

In the latest episode of the CanPL.ca Newsroom, Charlie O’Connor-Clarke and Marty Thompson talk about the 2021 CPL season format, preview Atlético Ottawa and HFX Wanderers seasons with Return to the Stage presented by Volkswagen Canada, and revel in a long-awaited return to matchdays.

To read/watch Kristian Jack and Commissioner David Clanachan’s chat about Thursday’s 2021 CPL season announcement, click here: https://canpl.ca/article/cpl-commissioner-clanachan-on-2021-season-new-format-its-like-christmas-day-right-now

Forge + York 2021 season previews + Concacaf League draw

In the latest episode of the CanPL.ca Newsroom, Charlie O’Connor-Clarke and Marty Thompson preview Forge FC and York United’s 2021 seasons with Return to the Stage presented by Volkswagen Canada – what’s different about this Forge side, whether or not we should temper expectations with Jimmy Brennan’s York side and much more.

Plus, the gang previews Forge’s Concacaf League draw, starting with Salvadorian side CD FAS which features a familiar face among its ranks.

CanMNT, FCE & Valour previews & Ranking the 2021 CPL kits

In the latest episode of the CanPL.ca Newsroom, Charlie O’Connor-Clarke and Marty Thompson revel in the Canadian men’s national team’s historic qualification for the final round of 2022 World Cup qualifying and offer insight into the "Octagon" – Concacaf’s eight-time finale.

Plus the gang continues its Return to the Stage presented by Volkswagen Canada series by previewing FC Edmonton and Valour FC’s pre-seasons.

Finally, Charlie and Marty are joined by Josh Chapman, the man behind popular kit culture blog The Kitsman, to review the 2021 CPL Community kits produced by Macron.

CanMNT vs. Haiti & Return to the Stage (feat. Pacific FC's Marco Bustos)

In the latest episode of the CanPL.ca Newsroom, Charlie O’Connor-Clarke and Marty Thompson take on the Canadian men’s national team’s massive win over Haiti in the first leg of their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying series and tee-up Tuesday’s second round finale (9pm ET/6pm PT on OneSoccer) – how will John Herdman’s side approach their biggest match in half a decade?

Plus, the gang dive into 2021 CPL lookaheads with Return to the Stage presented by Volkswagen Canada. Up first, Pacific FC and Cavalry FC. Player of the Year nominee in 2020 Marco Bustos joins the show to preview PFC’s upcoming season, his return to his hometown of Winnipeg, and his Volkswagen ad that’s getting loads of airtime during the European Championships.

Kristian Jack joins CanPL + 'The Kickoff' preview

Charlie O’Connor-Clarke and Marty Thompson are joined by newly-named CPL VP of Media and Content Kristian Jack who speaks about his new role with both the League and OneSoccer, his impressions on the CPL, and much more.

Valour & York make major moves, CanMNT predictor

In the latest episode of the CanPL.ca Newsroom, Charlie O’Connor-Clarke and Marty Thompson jump on the latest CPL signings and news as the 2021 season inches closer. Plus, the gang plays a game of Canadian men’s national team predictor ahead of major 2022 World Cup Qualifying matches against Aruba Saturday night (8 pm ET/5 pm PT) and versus Suriname on Tuesday, June 8 (8 pm ET/5 pm PT) – both matches are available on OneSoccer.

CanWNT squad, CanMNT 2021 'Depth Chart'

In the latest episode of the CanPL.ca Newsroom, Charlie O’Connor-Clarke and Marty Thompson cover the Canadian women’s national team’s 28-player squad going into a crucial pre-Olympics camp. Who is on the bubble for inclusion at the Tokyo Olympics? Plus, they offer their best guess at a Canadian men’s national team depth chart for 2021 – who are Canada’s top-choice defenders, midfielders, and attackers?

Finally, Marty is joined by Deron, a nine-year-old superfan of HFX Wanderers FC winger Cory Bent and his father to discuss how he became the CPL’s most unlikely fan.

CanMNT's record week (feat. Valour FC's Andrew Jean-Baptiste)

In the latest episode of the CanPL.ca Newsroom, Charlie O’Connor-Clarke and Marty Thompson review a big week for Canadian men’s national team players playing in Europe – titles, goals, and debuts galore. They also look ahead to Jonathan David and Lille OSC’s potential title-winning weekend against Angers FC (3pm ET/12pm PT on OneSoccer). Valour FC defender Andrew Jean-Baptiste joins the show to chat about Winnipeg’s return to training, his “fast” drive from New York City to Canada, and… food! Andrew chats about his post-soccer goal of opening a food truck – and even offers a full menu!