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CANMNT Calls Up 12 from MLS to Face Panama

With MLS players and European stars, Jesse Marsch promises a thrilling friendly in Toronto

By Arthur Fernandes

Nashville SC v DC United
Nashville SC v DC United / Johnnie Izquierdo/GettyImages
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Jesse Marsch put together a 26-man squad, and twelve of those come straight from Major League Soccer (MLS). Yep, the league that many still doubt is now the breeding ground for talents that are ready to set Toronto ablaze on October 15th. With a roster like this, can the Canadians finally prove they're not just here to be side characters?

If we take a look at the lineup, there's a fascinating mix in there. Marsch, who already showed his worth in September by beating the U.S. and drawing with Mexico, is banking on a blend of seasoned pros and young talents. This guy's thinking ahead! After all, this friendly isn’t just a game; it’s a test, a shot at cementing themselves before the challenges ahead.

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The twelve MLS players called up form the backbone of this squad. There's Maxime Crépeau, the wall from Portland Timbers, and Jacob Shaffelburg from Nashville SC, both coming in as undisputed starters in the early days of Marsch's tenure.

The American league, which so many here still underestimate, is gradually turning into a nursery for talents dreaming of making history beyond the European circuit. The irony in all of this? MLS, long criticized as a “retirement league,” is now an essential part of the backbone of this squad that's aiming to shake up the CONCACAF scene. Will people start to see MLS in a different light?

Then there's the talent coming from abroad. Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich's star, stands tall as the shining symbol of Canadian soccer on the world stage. He's the poster boy of a generation that's putting the country on the soccer map. And if there's someone who can change the game, it's this kid. But he's not going it alone. Jonathan David from Lille and Stephen Eustáquio from Porto are also in the mix.

But it's not all about the European stars. Zorhan Bassong from Sporting Kansas City is making his return after a three-year break. Another example of how MLS can be a launchpad for players looking to make their mark with the national team. And the cool thing is, Marsch is giving him that chance. He knows that building a strong team is about more than just picking the players with the best stats; it's about forming a group with chemistry and the drive to win.

The forwards add another interesting mix. Cyle Larin comes in from Mallorca, riding high after his first LaLiga goal since May. The guy's in a good place right now and should be one of Canada's main offensive weapons. Young Theo Bair from AJ Auxerre and Santiago López from Pumas round out this attack, which promises to give Panama's defense a real headache.

Canada comes into this friendly with a clear mission. It's a test to show they can not just compete, but take the lead in CONCACAF and beyond. That game where they beat the U.S. for the first time since 1957 was a turning point. Marsch doesn't just want to repeat that feat; he wants to build a winning mindset. He wants a Canada that doesn't flinch when it's crunch time.

The friendly against Panama isn't just a friendly. It's more like a preview of what's to come. And Marsch knows it. This roster is packed with symbolism. The MLS players on the list show that the American league is, indeed, ready to provide talents capable of competing at the highest level. Canada seems to be building a bridge between MLS and global soccer, and this friendly will be a sneak peek at this new era.

A game like this, with this call-up, is the perfect thermometer to measure just how far this team can go. It's a chance to see MLS youngsters sharing the field with European stars and, who knows, maybe even stealing the show.

It's the kind of matchup that raises more questions than answers. Can the Canadian squad keep up the momentum? Will Marsch find the perfect balance between MLS talents and European stars?

And if you're one of those still turning your nose up at MLS, get ready. This Canadian team is showing that the league isn’t just a showcase for stars in their twilight years but a fertile ground for local talent. And Panama? Well, they better brace themselves because this Canadian team is coming in hot.

GOALKEEPERS (3)

  • Maxime Crépeau - Portland Timbers
  • Jonathan Sirois - CF Montréal
  • Dayne St. Clair - Minnesota United FC

DEFENDERS (9)

  • Sam Adekugbe - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
  • Zorhan Bassong - Sporting Kansas City
  • Moïse Bombito - OGC Nice
  • Derek Cornelius - Olympique de Marseille
  • Alphonso Davies - Bayern Munich
  • Luc de Fougerolles - Fulham FC
  • Jamie Knight-Lebel - Crewe Alexandra
  • Richie Laryea - Toronto FC
  • Joel Waterman - CF Montréal

MIDFIELDERS (6)

  • Ali Ahmed - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
  • Mathieu Choinière - Grasshopper Club Zurich
  • Stephen Eustáquio - FC Porto
  • Jonathan Osorio - Toronto FC
  • Nathan Saliba - CF Montréal
  • Niko Sigur - Hajduk Split

FORWARDS (8)

  • Theo Bair - AJ Auxerre
  • Jonathan David - LOSC Lille
  • Cyle Larin - RCD Mallorca
  • Santiago López - UNAM Pumas
  • Liam Millar - Hull City
  • Tani Oluwaseyi - Minnesota United FC
  • Kwasi Poku - RWD Molenbeek
  • Jacob Shaffelburg - Nashville SC

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