Goalkeeper Simon Thomas of Victoria is 28 but can be excused for feeling like an old man on the new-look Canadian national soccer team.
A sense of optimism is palpable as current world No. 79 Canada’s new generation, led by 17-year-old Bayern Munich-bound sensation Alphonso Davies, was named Tuesday to face No. 177 Dominica on Oct. 16 at BMO Field in the second game of qualifying for the 2019 CONCACAF Nations League tournament.
Joining Davies as other teenagers named were Jonathan David of KAA Gent and Liam Millar of Liverpool, while highly touted 19-year-old Ballou Tabla of Barcelona Reserves, born in Ivory Coast but raised in Montreal, will make his much-anticipated national-team debut.
Head coach John Herdman has named eight players who are 21 or younger.
“It’s an exciting time for Canada soccer,” said Thomas, from Norway, where he plays pro for Strommen.
“There are a lot of exciting players coming through and a new competition. The focus, and belief, is to change the landscape for soccer in Canada. There is a buzz about this group and everybody wants the same thing.”
In the mix to backstop this rising tide of young talent is Thomas, the Bays United and Lower Island Metro product, who is listed with the No. 1 jersey on the 23-player Canadian roster. Battling the veteran Thomas for crease time will be debutante Canada ’keepers James Pantemis of Montreal Impact and Alessandro Busti of Juventus U-23. (Canada’s top-line goalkeeper, 39-time capped Milan Borjan of Red Star Belgrade, was not called upon for this qualifier.)
The veterans named by Herdman include Thomas along with field players Atiba Hutchinson, Cyle Larin, Russell Teibert, Samuel Piette and Tosaint Ricketts.
But it’s clear the national team is now all about the youth as it looks ahead to World Cup 2022 qualifying and co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the U.S. and Mexico.
“We hope the fans can join us on our journey towards the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar,” said Herdman.
The game from BMO Field in Toronto will be shown on TSN.
Canada began CONCACAF Nations League qualifying with an 8-0 victory over the U.S. Virgin Islands in Bradenton, Florida.
“We want to be in that top-six of qualifying to get into Group A of CONCACAF Nations League, so we won’t be putting any result at risk, and we won’t be taking anything for granted,” said Herdman.
So look for the eight-time capped Thomas to get the start over Pantemis or Busti, both of whom have yet to face a shot in senior international play.
The six-foot-three Thomas, who attended Oak Bay High, began the season with Kongsvinger IL before switching to fellow Norwegian OBOS-ligaen club Strommen.
“My season has been going well,” said Thomas.
“Every match is a battle right now and valuable experience.”
It’s that experience Herdman could be counting on in net this month.
