Canada’s Likely Early Gold Cup Exit is for the Best

Canada’s 2-0 loss to Mexico all but ended any hopes of making the quarter finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Al Dannity says an early exit from the competition is probably not a bad result.

In an ideal world I wouldn’t be writing this column. In that world last night’s 2-0 loss to Mexico in Seattle would have little bearing and would be seen as a loss Canada could bounce back from against Panama. I could hype up this game as a rivalry forged in the World Cup qualifiers. In that world Canada didn’t lose 1-0 to Martinique and have a lame-duck interim coach.

As things stand Martinique sits in third place in Group A with an even goal difference. Canada lies fourth and last with a -3 difference. Canada would need Martinique to lose to Mexico and then shock Panama, hoping the goal columns sorted themselves out in the process. This is a tad unlikely. Even then, a tally of 3 points would not guarantee a place in the last eight. No, that would require one of the other two groups delivering a third place team with an even worse record. Canada may still technically be in the competition but the odds on progressing are long.

Even if Canada made it to the quarter finals they would likely face either the USA or Honduras. The latter is beatable or rather looked that way before this tournament began. Mentally, as I mentioned yesterday, Canada’s players are not in the place they were when they were battling Honduras in World Cup qualifying. No, there is a distinct lack of motivation there and a shiftless trudge into the knockout rounds would do little to boost them. Change is coming but an end to this era is necessary.

Canada’s exit from the Gold Cup may sting in the short term but it will offer something to build on over the next two years. When the next Gold Cup comes around the national team will be playing with a clean slate. Any progress will represent a step forward. The shame of 2013 could give birth to the resurgence of 2015. From there the road to Russia will start to take shape. A run to the Hexagonal is achievable. An improved performance at the next Gold Cup is vital to kick start that campaign. Right now it’s pretty terrible to be a fan of Canada’s men’s Soccer team. In two years, things might look very different.