A sprint to the final

Handicapping the Canadian Premier League spring season Matthew Gourlie Predicting who will end up on top of the Canadian Premier League after its inaugural season is basically impossible at this stage. I am inclined to believe that anyone who thinks they can is deluding themselves. To whit: in 1996 DC United book-ended the first Major…

The game was the winner on CPL opening day

Forge FC 1 York 9 FC 1 HAMILTON — The first Canadian Premier League match between Forge FC and York 9 FC ended in a draw. But there were plenty of winners on the day. Both teams set out to attack and put on an entertaining display that sent the 17,611 home pleased following a…

New era dawns in Canadian soccer

Matthew Gourlie This web site is called June of 86 for a simple reason. It was the month that Canada competed for the first — and thus far only — time at a World Cup. But that’s not it. Not entirely. That was the month that I went from being a soccer fan to something…

Embracing the opportunity

York 9 FC players see the league — and Saturday’s inaugural match — as a great opportunity Matthew Gourlie TORONTO — The life of a professional Canadian soccer player can be a nomadic existence. One of the mandates of the Canadian Premier League is to offer a more linear path to becoming a professional that…

Sigma brotherhood looking to spark Forge

Veteran players excited to be reunited with Forge FC boss Bobby Smyrniotis Matthew Gourlie HAMILTON — Jonathan Grant says that Bobby Smyrniotis changed his life. Grant’s high praise for Forge FC’s technical director and head coach is far from unique. When Forge FC steps onto a Canadian Premier League pitch for the first time Saturday…

Quality of CPL kits bespoke for themselves

Matthew Gourlie The Canadian Premier League is going to experience some growing pains in its early years. As long as they get more right than wrong, learn from their mistakes and keep improving there is every reason to believe that they can thrive. Thursday, the CPL unveiled their first selection of kits and while they…