I figure it's best to have open forum to discuss any concerns you may have about the NT. I'll be happy to discuss any decisions I make regarding team selection or anything else for that matter.




As you will see from my roster selection, I've taken a very senior squad. I went for tactical flexibility over taking some younger supertalents. This will be something that changes as the qualifications continue. I specifically think Holan has been on the wrong side of a few of my selections but they will get back in the team sooner than later.

The one selection that may have surprised a few people would be this player, Fioupou(player-925100). I think he provides something unique that other players can't offer. A ton of speed and the highest accumulative passing skill. I will be experimenting with him in Interland games and perhaps even in a qualifier against a weaker opponent. We shall see.

My only major concern with the team right now is at the CM/DM spot where I lack a dedicated defensive option. Clavet Lefévre (player-973079) is likely the player to fill that void in a season or 2. I really would like to see a player with dueling above 4.35 or above 4 with the aggressive trait. There are many players with 3-3.8 dueling but none are worthwhile in a DM role.

Seems a good selection so far Jax. My kid Groulart will be awesome for you, he's very proud to pull on a Canadian shirt.

YA, nice start with a beautiful win ~

@Holan Thanks

As for today's match, my opponent played as expected with 3 central midfielders, 3 spread Forwards and only 2 central defenders. Longo took full advantage in the Striker position and scored 2 early goals. Danque has done nothing but impress in his games, so far.

To anyone who watched the match, you might've noticed the 2nd half substitute for Borzov was a defender. I plan to use this strategy against teams that plan to attack centrally. I think it's also a way that can mitigate the lack of a true defensive midfielder. Due to this, Drew Garlow (Mississauga United) will be dropped from the team until we actually qualify for "Tournament Matches". I just don't see where he fits into my squad, at this point. He will be replaced by another midfielder or potentially another defender.

If there are any questions about my strategy or lineup selection, send me a message or post in here. I feel like I've got a pretty good understanding of what I'll need to do, to be successful.

Here's an update on the recent additions/subtractions from the team. These are subject to change again before the deadline tomorrow night at 8 pm Eastern.

Added:

MF Arthur Cartier 8.45-8.75(Montreal Impact)
MF Carlo de Calmesnil 7.80-9.85(FC Mapleleafs)
FW Wesley Tinkler 7.50-11.20 (FC MapleLeafs)

Dropped:

MF Drew Garlow 11.70 (Mississauga United)
MF Humphrey Cage 8.60-9.85 (FC MapleLeafs)
FW Patrick Nazon 7.80-10.05 (Tristeza Nao Tem Fim)


I still don't see great options for a Defensive midfielder. I see lots of 5 passing/3 dueling/4 tactics players and they all are completely useless to me. These players are generic and don't bring anything to the table.

Here is what I'm looking for at DM...

4 Passing
4.1-4.8 Dueling
4.6 Tactics

Aggressive/Man Marker/Correct
---------------------------------------------------------------

The shortlist also lacks true DCB's. My 2 starters are 30 and 29 respectively. Way too many Man Markers and Wingers in comparison. A Supertalent DCB is almost guaranteed to be in the squad. Supertalent Forwards and Midfielders are NOT guaranteed ANYTHING.


Finally, our Goalkeeping situation isn't good either. I'd like to see more commitment from our Managers in developing Canadian Keepers.


Supertalent DCBs and GKs are want I want!

Antigua and Barbuda got very lucky to salvage a draw. I'm still furious about it. Canada was the better team and should be on top of the group...

Just a quick update. The latest Shortlist selection only saw 1 change,,,

In

GK Jean-Baptiste Besse (6.45-7.55*) (✾ TWICE ✾) NED

Out

DF Jerome Delage 11*

*Delage was old, low on speed and was hurt for EVERY GAME thus far. It didn't seem like the Manager was healing him, either. Baptiste is a 5.7 talent, Determined/Walls/PKs breath of fresh air. Soczewka will be released from the team at some point soon.

The team managed a 2-2 draw Away vs Guadeloupe which I would consider a success. His full backs are a extremely capable so I saw the only option was to attack central which worked out.

The team now will experience a bye week and will only feature in Interland matches for the next 2 weeks.

Big Win versus A&B in their house. We're now guaranteed a spot in the North American Championships. A home draw or win versus Guadeloupe will see us qualify atop the group.

Well done Jax. If only we had a better Defence and GK pool for selection. I feel the weak GK/Def is going to hurt us in the tournament.

ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh............................................................................................................................................

A horrible showing for Canada in the NA championship tournament. Clearly the team had weaknesses and it wasn't until this very point that they were exploited. Dominica was able to score 3 goals in the 2nd half against our mediocre wide defenders. This is an issue.

It's time for Canada to drop some of our older veterans and move on with the youth. We especially need to shake up our defensive core so I will be considering all options available to me.

I think we have a solid future in the midfield and possibly at Forward but we need to make sure these players are given the proper trainings. If you wonder why your player isn't on the team, ask me. If you wonder why a certain player is preferred to your guy, ask me. Sometimes you must go the extra mile with an additional trait to get my attention.

Anyway, when the next selection period starts many older players will be dropped. Please contact me if there are any problems.

The team needs DCBs with high blocking. We have WAY TOO MANY wide defenders and basic man markers with no blocking. I'd trade 5 of our Forward/Midfielder supertalents for 1 supertalent DCB at the moment which should illustrate my concerns.

nice turn over against Mexico

I didn't think it was impossible to do but I figured it would have been a 3-0 victory. When they scored, I thought it was over. All in all, we were the better team and deserved to advance, regardless of the first result.