Canada to face Belarus in Turkey

Canada will face Belarus in a Men’s International Friendly match this 29 March 2011. The match, Canada’s second of the 2011 season, will be played in Antalya, Turkey. This will mark the first ever international meeting between Canada and Belarus.

"It will be another good opportunity to get the squad together in light of this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup," said Canadian national head Stephen Hart.

The 29 March match takes place on an official FIFA International Date. Coach Hart plans to call 18 players to the squad, with some players arriving as early as 21 March depending on their club schedules.

Canada opened the 2011 season in Larissa, Greece on 9 February. Following the 29 March match in Turkey, Canada hopes to organize another match for the next FIFA International Date on 1 June. Canada then opens its 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign on 7 June against USA in Detroit, MI, USA. Canada’s three group opponents this summer are USA on 7 June, Guadeloupe on 11 June (Tampa, FL), and Panama on 14 June (Kansas City, KS).

Canada announces roster for Greece friendly

Canada has announced an 18-player roster for the upcoming Men’s International Friendly match in Larissa, Greece. Coach Hart and his team will meet this coming week to face former European champion Greece at the A.E.L FC Arena. The match will be played Wednesday 9 February, the first date of the 2011 season on the FIFA international schedule.

The Canada-Greece match will feature the debut of the new Canada Umbro kit. The Canadian match will be broadcast on Wednesday 9 February at 10.00 ET / 07.00 PT (17.00 local kick off in Larissa, Greece). Fans will also be able to follow the match live on www.twitter.com/CanadaSoccerEN.

Coach Hart’s selection features one debut: goalkeeper Milan Borjan. The 23-year old goalkeeper of Hamilton, ON plays professional soccer for FK Rad in Serbia. Borjan and Edmonton’s Lars Hirschfeld (32 appearances for Canada) are the two goalkeepers selected for this camp. Hirschfeld plays his professional soccer for Vålerenga Fotball in Norway.

Two other players have yet to make their first appearance for Canada, although they have both taken part in previous men’s national camps. Midfielder Tosaint Ricketts took part in his first camp in 2009 in Larnaka, Cyprus. Defender David Edgar, meanwhile, has taken part in several camps dating back to 2007. Both Ricketts and Edgar are 23 years old.

Borjan, Ricketts, Edgar, Jaime Peters, Simeon Jackson and Will Johnson are all 1987-born players. Five of those six players (all but Borjan) represented Canada at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007. One other player in the camp is younger: 20-year older defender Adam Straith.

As for experience, Hirschfeld, Dwayne De Rosario, Kevin McKenna and Rob Friend are all amongst the senior players in the camp. De Rosario is the leader with 55 appearances, while 27-year old midfielder Atiba Hutchinson is second with 50 appearances. Hutchinson, the 2010 Canadian Player of the Year, scored a goal and an assist in Canada’s last international friendly match on 8 October 2010 (a 2:2 draw with Ukraine).

Fifteen of Canada’s 18 players play professional soccer in Europe. De Rosario (Toronto FC), Johnson (Real Salt Lake) and Dejan Jakovic (D.C. United) play in Major League Soccer. De Rosario is a two-time national champion in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.

As for extended coverage before the Canada-Greece kickoff on 9 February, Canadian supporters can tune-in early at 09.30 ET / 06.30 PT on Sportsnet ONE. The Sportsnet team will feature a special 30-minute season preview show prior to the start of the match. Also of note, the match will be replayed on Sportsnet Ontario (20.00 ET), Sportsnet West (23.30 MT) and Sportsnet Pacific (23.30 PT).


CANADA
1- GK- Lars Hirschfeld | NOR / Vålerenga Fotball
2- D- Jaime Peters | ENG / Ipswich Town FC
3- M- Marcel de Jong | GER / FC Augsburg
4- D- Dejan Jakovic | USA / DC United
5- D- Kevin McKenna | GER / FC Köln
6- M- Nik Ledgerwood | GER / SV Wehen Wiesbaden
7- M- Pedro Pacheco | POR / CD Santa Clara
8- M- Will Johnson | USA / Real Salt Lake
9- F- Rob Friend | GER / Hertha BSC
10- F- Simeon Jackson | ENG / Norwich City FC
11- D- David Edgar | ENG / Burnley FC
12- D- Adam Straith | GER / FC Energie Cottbus
13- M- Atiba Hutchinson | NED / PSV Eindhoven
14- M- Dwayne De Rosario | CAN / Toronto FC
15- M- Josh Simpson | TUR / Vestel Manisaspor
16- M- Tosaint Ricketts | FC Politehnica Timiþoara
17- F- Olivier Occean | GER / Kickers Offenbach
22- GK- Milan Borjan | SRB / FK Rad

Borjan, Milan | 1987 | Hamilton, ON, CAN |
de Jong, Marcel | 1986 | Toronto, ON, CAN |
De Rosario, Dwayne | 1978 | Scarborough, ON, CAN |
Edgar, David | 1987 | Kitchener, ON, CAN |
Friend, Rob | 1981 | Kelowna, BC, CAN |
Hirschfeld, Lars | 1978 | Edmonton, AB, CAN |
Hutchinson, Atiba | 1983 | Brampton, ON, CAN |
Jackson, Simeon | 1987 | Mississauga, ON, CAN |
Jakovic, Dejan | 1985 | Etobicoke, ON, CAN |
Johnson, Will | 1987 | Toronto, ON, CAN|
Ledgerwood, Nik | 1985 | Lethbridge, AB, CAN |
McKenna, Kevin | 1980 | Calgary, AB, CAN |
Occean, Olivier | 1981 | Brossard, QC, CAN |
Pacheco, Pedro | 1984 | Toronto, ON, CAN |
Peters, Jaime | 1987 | Pickering, ON, CAN |
Ricketts, Tosaint | 1987 | Edmonton, AB, CAN |
Simpson, Josh | 1983 | Victoria, BC, CAN |
Straith, Adam | 1990 | Victoria, BC, CAN | Bays United SC

Head of Delegation / Chef de délegation : George Athanasiou
Head Coach / Entraîneur-chef : Stephen Hart
Assistant Coach / Entraîneur adjoint : Tony Fonseca
Goalkeer Coach / Entraîneur des gardiens : Paul Dolan
Video Coordinator / Vidéaste : Victor Mendes
Team Manager / Gérant d’équipe : Morgan Quarry
Equipment Manager / Gérant de l’équipement : Burns Jennings
Doctor / Docteur : Dr. John Philpott
Physiotherapist / Physiothérapeute : Ted Tilbury
Physiotherapist / Physiothérapeute : Dave Foley

Will Johnson Audio Interview on Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show - Jan 14th, 2011

As posted earlier in the week, Will Johnson re-signed with Real Salt Lake through the 2014 season.

You can hear the interview that Full-Time host Tyler Green did with Will Johnson by clicking here.

The Canadian international was on the final year of his contract and the team had made it a priority to sign the 23-year-old to an extension prior to the start of the 2011 season. Though financial details were not disclosed – as per team and league policy – Lagerwey did hint Johnson would get a raise.

“Will came to us as something that was a very low salary,” said Lagerwey. “If you are trying to re-sign your good, young players, certainly those are going to lead to increases in pay.”

Johnson joined Real Salt Lake in the middle of the 2008 season upon return from Dutch Eredivisie side De Graafshap. He immediately made his way into the starting lineup and has remained there ever since.
Known for his high work-rate, Johnson fits in well with head coach Jason Kreis’ philosophy, which requires effort on both sides of the field. Among Johnson’s accomplishments are the 2008 MLS Goal of the Year award and a 2009 All-Star selection.

As always, if you missed an interview on Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by clicking here.

Jonathan de Guzman joins Full-Time on Sunday, January 16, 2011

Jonathan de Guzman, Mallorca midfielder and potential Canadian international?, will join Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show on TEAM 1040 this Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 9pm PT.

Full-Time is continuing to focus on the Canadian Men's National Team and potential recruits following interviews with potential Canadian squad member Junior Hoilett and  head coach Stephen Hart.

Hoilett told Full-Time that at this point he was still undecided on his international future. Meanwhile, Stephen Hart told Full-Time on the January 9th, 2011 show that he is going to go and meet with Jonathan de Guzman, among other players, when he goes to Europe for the Canada friendly against Greece in February.

Will Hart be successful in his pitch? Is Hart wasting his time? What does de Guzman think? Will de Guzman commit to the Canadian National Team? Find out Sunday on Full-Time! 

Plus Paul Dolan, Canadian National Men's Goalkeeping Coach, will join Full-Time for his first visit of what will be a monthly series. We'll also catch up with Whitecaps FC 1st round picks Omar Salgado and Michael Nanchoff and round off the show with Whitecaps FC head coach Teitur Thordarson and 'Caps president Bob Lenarduzzi. Real Salt Lake midfielder and Canadian International Will Johnson will also stop by to discuss his new 4 year deal and what he would say to Canadians deciding whether or not to play for the Canadian National Team.

The usual suspects will also be by including Marc Rizzardo from Metrotown Physio to discuss the latest injury news from the world of soccer and we'll find out "What's on Setanta" with Andy Shapiera.

Can't make the program? Subscribe to the Full-Time podcast by clicking here.

Full Time Podcast - January 9, 2011

Full Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show has a new podcast up! Listen here!

You can also subscribe to Full Time on iTunes! Subscribe here!

On this jam packed edition of the program:

Tom Soehn, Director of Soccer Operations for the Vancouver Whitecaps joins the boys again. He will be talking about the upcmong Draft Combine in Florida and much more!

Canadian Men's National Coach Stephen Hart also drops in to talk about Teal Bunbury, Junior Hoilett and all things Canada!

Former Canadian Women's National, Vancouver Whitecaps & UCLA player Kara Lang is also on the program to discuss her early retirement due to injury! Details on complete interview here!

You can follow Full Time on Twitter, Facebook & Blogspot!

Full Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show airs every Sunday night. 9p-11p. Only on TEAM 1040 Sports Radio!

Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show Preview

Full-Time Vancouver's Soccer Show on the TEAM 1040 returns to the airwaves Sunday night at 9pm with a full edition including news and interviews from across Canada.

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC are currently preparing for the Major League Soccer SuperDraft and Tom Soehn, Whitecaps Director of Soccer Operations, will join Full-Time to discuss his teams opportunity to select first overall. The draft runs Thursday and Tom is currently at the MLS Player combine in Florida.

The Canadian Men's National Team is preparing fr the 2011 season and first up a trip to Greece to face that nation in a friendly. Head Coach Stephen Hart will stop by to talk about the preparations for the squad this year and look at what Hart's number one goal is for the 2011 season which also includes a trip to the Gold Cup.

You will also hear from Kara Lang who retired from soccer on both a national and club level, as well as Nevio Pizzolitto, who has returned to captain another season of Montreal Impact soccer. We're also hoping to connect with the potential first pick in the MLS draft, Darlington Nagbe.

Plus the usual features including What's on Setanta and Marc Rizzardo of Metrotown Physio.

You can tune into the program on TEAM 1040 in Vancouver from 9-11pm or online at http://www.team1040.ca/

In case you miss the program, subscribe to the Full-Time podcast by clicking here. and for full updates, follow us on twitter by clicking here.

Venue announced for Canada-Greece away match

The venue, stadium and kickoff time for Canada's upcoming Men's International Friendly match against Greece has been announced. The two nations will meet this 9 February 2011 in Larissa, Greece at the A.E.L FC Arena. The match kicks off at 17.00.

This will mark Canada's first-ever trip to Greece. The two sides last met on 28 May 1988 in the Sir Matthews Cup in Toronto, ON. In the tournament final, Canada won 4-2 on kicks from the penalty mark
following a 0:0 draw with Greece.

Just last year, Greece took part in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The European club won one of its three group matches, a 2:1 victory over Nigeria. For Greece, currently the 12th ranked country in the world, it was its second participation at a FIFA World Cup™ (1994 and 2010). Just six years ago, Greece won the European Championship at UEFA Euro 2004.

"Whenever you play a FIFA World Cup™ team, it is a special occasion," said Canadian national head coach Stephen Hart. "It was also not that long ago that Greece was a European Champion, so the match will be challenging. Playing Greece in Greece will be good for us as we continue to develop as a team."

Canada is currently building towards the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. The team's next major competition is the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which will serve as the qualification route for the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013.

January 2, 2011 Podcast

Full Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show has it's first podcast up for 2011. Listen here!

To subscribe to Full Time on iTunes, Click here!

On the first jam packed installment of 2011, Tyler & Mike are joined by Blackburn Rovers striker Junior Hoilett. Junior talks a bit about the sacking of Sam Allardyce as well as the prospect of playing for the Canadian Men's National Team!

Also, a full breakdown of this weekend's EPL action as well as a look ahead to the midweek!

Marc Rizzardo from Metrotown Physio drops in once again to diagnose injuries from around the soccer world.

The boys also step up to the spot for "Spot kicks" and discuss some predictions for the year!

Full Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show airs every Sunday night. 9p-11p. Only on TEAM 1040!

David Hoilett Jr. - Canadian International?

At some point, Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Hoilett Jr. (Known to the world as David and telling Full-Time he prefers Junior) will have to make up his mind on whether he would like to a) play for Canada, b) play for Jamaica or c) play club football only.

Currently, the Rovers' midfielder has declined to give up a decision on his international career. Hoilett’s guarded comment has always been, “focus on getting minutes at Blackburn and as a young player, and focus on playing for my club”. You can decide for yourself what you think when listening to the interview by clicking here. But you get the sense that Junior is interested in playing for Canada. He mentioned that Stephen Hart has been sending him texts and is genuinely interested in his club career. Perhaps that aspect has given Canada the lead in gaining his services. However non-committal Hoilett wants to be, he did chuckle when we told him that we hope to see him in a Canada jersey.

Next week on Full-Time: Vancouver’s Soccer Show, we will chat with the Canadian Men’s National team coach Stephen Hart. Ask Hart if he has had any inkling one way or the other on Hoilett’s potential decision. Also his thoughts as the 2011 National team season kicks into high gear and a look ahead at his potential line-up for the 2011 Gold Cup competition and what he thinks it means to have two Major League Soccer teams in Canada with the third coming in 2012.

Full-Time: Vancouver’s Soccer Show is heard Sunday nights from 9-11pm on TEAM 1040 Radio in Vancouver and online at http://www.teamradio.ca/. You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by clicking here.

For more information on Full-Time, click here.