Canada takes Can-Am soccer

Posted by Cameron Stuerle on Oct 6, 2011 in Sports | 0 comments

There is a reason the Olympics always draws a crowd. Few things in the sporting world will draw the attention of the masses better than an event dressed up in the colours of a flag. But nothing is better than when Canada butts heads with the United States of America. Whether it’s hockey, soccer, or a softwood lumber dispute, few things can beat the maple leaf taking on the stars and stripes. One can debate the merits of having two nations play each other in a sport which, in the grand scheme of things, neither really cares about. However, Can-Am soccer delivers great fun for players and fans every year and the 2011 instalment was no different.

The 2011 Can-Am soccer game was a good time for all involved. The game produced a fairly easy win for Canada over an American team with a few players who were loosely associated with the country (Kevin Mirchandani was born in Chicago? When did that happen?). The Canadians got three goals past American keeper Taylor Strom. I would tell you who scored the goals and when they happened in the game; however, thanks to the lack of a scoreboard and an adequate public address system, I honestly have no idea who deserves credit.

The big take away from the game was the impressive play of Canadian keeper Mitchell Sorenson and his receding hairline, who thwarted multiple glorious American scoring chances to maintain the Canadian lead (male pattern baldness has never looked so good).

There were some fun moments, like when an errant ball nearly killed someone’s dog or when the ball sailed over the fence and onto the train tracks. There was also Lez Hastings, who attempted to slide on his belly upon entering the game, travelled about six inches, and then tried a pass to the goalkeeper that was about 30 feet away from his target.

The Americans got one goal late (again, I have no idea who scored it) to make it interesting, but in the end Canada was too much for the USA.

The Can-Am soccer game isn’t nearly as revered as the Can-Am hockey exhibition, but it is an enjoyable event nonetheless. At the end of the day, I am all for any event that allows this country to demonstrate its superiority.

Cameron Stuerle