Canada omits veterans for Copa America playoff
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Interim Canada men's team coach Mauro Biello selected a surprisingly youthful squad for the vital one-off Copa America qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago on March 23.
Milan Borjan, Steven Vitoria, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Junior Hoilett, and Lucas Cavallini have been left out, while full-backs Richie Laryea and Sam Adekugbe haven't proved their fitness ahead of the roster announcement.
Canada's recognized stars like Alphonso Davies, Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan David, and Stephen Eustaquio are included. There will be concerns about the fitness of Buchanan and Eustaquio while they're playing few minutes for their respective clubs.
The only uncapped players in the squad are CF Montreal goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois and Fulham's English-born defender Luc de Fougerolles. However, the likes of strikers Theo Bair and Ike Ugbo - both of whom are in good form with their clubs in the United Kingdom - only have 10 Canada appearances between them, while there are other youthful inclusions such as Moise Bombito and Jacen Russell-Rowe.
Toronto FC captain Jonathan Osorio is the only player in the squad aged 30 or over.
"We are excited to play in such a critical match with the chance to qualify for a major tournament. This is a great opportunity for the program to continue to play some of the elite teams on the world stage," Biello said.
"The squad is filled with young, in-form talent. This is a chance for guys to come in with a fresh attitude to form a new culture."
Canada squad
Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Portland Timbers), Jonathan Sirois (CF Montreal), Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United)
Full-backs/Wingers: Tajon Buchanan (Inter Milan), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Alistair Johnston (Celtic), Liam Millar (Preston North End), Jacob Shaffelburg (Nashville SC)
Center-backs: Moise Bombito (Colorado Rapids), Derek Cornelius (Malmo), Luc de Fougerolles (Fulham), Kamal Miller (Portland Timbers), Joel Waterman (CF Montreal)
Midfielders: Mathieu Choiniere (CF Montreal), Stephen Eustaquio (FC Porto), Ismael Kone (Watford), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Samuel Piette (CF Montreal)
Forwards: Theo Bair (Motherwell), Jonathan David (Lille), Cyle Larin (Mallorca), Jacen Russell-Rowe (Columbus Crew), Ike Ugbo (Sheffield Wednesday)