Friendly Schmendly, Canada and USA WNTs Battle Sunday

The rematch Canadian Soccer fans have been waiting for since the summer is almost here. Al Dannity says the word ‘friendly’ would be better replaced by ‘challenge’ when Canada takes on the USA in Women’s Soccer at BMO Field.

It should have been her night. Christine Sinclair tormented the USA defence with a hat-trick and complete dominance in the Olympic Semi-Final. It should have been our night. The free kick that led to Team USA’s equalising penalty should never have been given. Ifs buts and maybes count for little. Payback? It’s not a gold medal but it sure takes the sting away.

That’s what Canada has on Sunday. That, at the very least, is what they earned. If Canada played the USA 10 times they might lose 9. But not on Sunday. On Sunday Canada will play with them. I am sick and tired of hearing how great a Soccer team the Americans have. Screw ‘em. This is our time. Now go out there Canada and take.

Channelling Herb Brooks may seem odd when the foe is the USA but this is hungry that has been building amongst Canadian Soccer fans for nearly a year. This team came so close to a shot at the gold medal. In one of the bravest displays by any team to wear the Maple Leaf, the WNT rocked their more illustrious rivals from south of the border. Let’s make no mistake; Canada’s record against the Americans is awful. On Sunday the record won’t matter squat. All that matters is what happens in those 90 minutes.

I could talk tactics, key players, and what both sides will look to get out of the game. It’s what I usually do but frankly none of that is important. No, what matters is that this is a chance to send out a message to the preeminent force in Women’s Soccer before they come to our backyard for the World Cup in 2015. It will be loud and clear. A World Cup in Canada is not going to be a de facto home event for the USA. This is our house. On Sunday BMO Field is our house. In 2015 the six venues from Moncton to Vancouver are all our house.

So this Sunday, lets channel the emotion that’s been bubbling since London. In the first home game for the Canada WNT since winning bronze, let’s show them we’re behind them. It’s payback time.