Midfielder Julian de Guzman (pictured) will take part in a Canada national team training camp, January 25-February 6, 2016. (Photo: Mexsport)
OTTAWA – In preparation for an international friendly at the United States on February 5, Canada will convene 23 players for a training a camp that starts Monday.
Due to the match falling on a non-FIFA date, head coach Benito Floro’s side will feature mostly North American-based players balanced with a mix of veterans and younger talent.
"We need to continue to put forth our best defense, our best attack, and our best set pieces in 2016," said Floro. "Last year, we scored 18 goals and conceded only six, but we could have scored more through the chances we created. We need to improve our last pass and our shots on target."
All five of Canada’s professional clubs are represented on the roster as FC Edmonton, Impact de Montreal and Vancouver Whitecaps FC lead the way with three players each, while Toronto FC and the Ottawa Fury FC are contributing one apiece.
Four players -- Tyson Farago, Callum Irving, Steven Vitoria, and Jamar Dixon -- will be participating in their first senior squad camp.
Canada wrapped up 2015 with two encouraging performances in World Cup Qualifying, defeating Honduras (1-0, home) and drawing with El Salvador (0-0, away). With four points, the Canadians sit in second place behind leader Mexico (2W-0D-0L, 6 points). The Group A table toppers will resume qualifying with a pair of encounters against each other on March 25 and 29.
ROSTER
GOALKEEPERS: Maxime Crepeau (Impact de Montreal), Tyson Farago, (FC Edmonton), Callum Irving (University of Kentucky/USA)
DEFENDERS: Samuel Adekugbe (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Marcel de Jong (Sporting Kansas City/USA), Doneil Henry (West Ham United/England), Nik Ledgerwood (FC Edmonton), Wandrille Lefevre (Impact de Montreal), Karl W. Ouimette (New York Red Bulls/USA), Mallan Roberts (FC Edmonton), Adam Straith (Fredrikstad/Norway), Steven Vitoria (Benfica/Portugal)
MIDFIELDERS: Kyle Bekker (Impact de Montreal), Marco Bustos (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Julian de Guzman (Ottawa Fury FC), Jamar Dixon (FF Jaro/Finland), Kianz Froese (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Will Johnson (Toronto FC), Issey Nakajima-Farran (Terengganu FA/Malaysia)
FORWARDS: Tesho Akindele (FC Dallas/USA), Caleb Clarke (unattached), Iain Hume (unattached), Cyle Larin (Orlando City SC/USA)