Staff writer @TheAthletic (⚽/🏒)• The Voyageurs: The Canadian Men's Soccer Team's Quest for the World Cup • Pizzaiolo-in-training
3,166 followers 15 following 204 posts
view profile on Bluesky
What’s the latest on Canada’s players in the transfer window? What will the upcoming European season mean for #CanMNT before the World Cup? And who is Canada’s new goalkeeper? Jam-packed notebook and interview with Jesse Marsch at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
Ahead of the European season, Canada’s Jesse Marsch shared insight on: • Surprise goalkeeper news • Where Niko Sigur could move to • What happens next for #CANMNT Plenty of detail at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
A handshake in defeat 15 years ago, a jab at the unrelenting American heat and a desire, above all, to win. The inside story of how the Vancouver Whitecaps pulled off the shocking signing of German and Bayern Munich legend Thomas Müller:
Sounds like Luc de Fougerolles is indeed heading to Dender in Belgium on loan. Great opportunity to play first team football regularly and develop the know how he’ll need to fight for a #CANMNT starting spot at the World Cup.
On the Luc de Fougerolles loan rumours: Can’t say for sure but wouldn’t be surprised if the #CANMNT defender heads to Dender in Belgian Pro League. Believe Dender (12th in the 16-team regular season last year) have previously shown interest and can offer playing time.
Checking in from holiday to confirm Ismaël Koné is going to Serie A’s Sassuolo. Sounds like top Italian clubs were interested in a loan for the #CanMNT midfielder but Sassuolo wanted to buy Koné and give him a ton of games. Focus is rebounding ahead of WC. Bet he can do it.
Mid-summer focus group question: Based off recent results, which style should I focus on from here until training camp? Classic Neapolitan in the outdoor oven? Hybrid Chicago tavern/New Haven thin and crispy both indoor and outdoor? Or a chewy, Buffalo-style slab indoor?
Meet Tyler Hopkins: the Maple Leafs recent draft pick has the tools to possibly make him a centre of the future. And the Leafs need him to be just that:
Can Matias Maccelli grab a top six spot with the Maple Leafs?
From yesterday, awards and observations from Maple Leafs development camp. Which camp invites could earn contracts? How close do the Leafs top prospects look to the NHL? And which prospect wanted to talk pizza, immediately becoming my new favourite?
Maple Leafs development camp awards and observations: · Who stood out? · Which camp invite could earn a contract? · Whose development hasn't gone as hoped? A meaty notebook on everything you need to know about the next wave of Leafs:
Jonathan David has his long-awaited move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs: the Canadian forward is heading to Juventus, pending medicals, @theathleticfc.bsky.social can confirm. Details on the move and what comes next for David: #CANMNT
“The pressure of the moment, that’s really what I enjoy,” When Nicolas Roy walks into the Maple Leafs dressing room, he can talk about an experience few members of the team have enjoyed: a Stanley Cup win. What Roy means for the Leafs and where he fits:
“I take a lot of pride in being a Leafs fan and now a player.” Steven Lorentz brings off-the-charts good vibes. And the local boy had no desire to play outside of Toronto. Why Lorentz re-signed with the Maple Leafs:
Some early free agency news: BOTH Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi have departed Toronto FC by mutual agreement. #TFCLive @tombogert.bsky.social first. News and insight on a massive morning of change for TFC and MLSE at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
Canada want to hang with the world's best teams. Their Gold Cup failure proved they're not ready to do that at next year's World Cup - yet. #CANMNT's next year has to be about results and bring serious change, on and off the field. For @theathleticfc.bsky.social
Canada is out of the Gold Cup after a quarterfinal loss to Guatemala. It’s a humbling and disappointing loss that suggests #CANMNT has a long road ahead to be ready for the World Cup.
“What I absolutely love about him? That he is f*cking mean.” The Maple Leafs want to change their DNA. Their second-round pick, Tinus Luc Koblar, is a step towards doing that. Meet the ultra-competitive, nasty and skilled winger the Leafs are betting on:
What are the Maple Leafs getting in their 2025 draft class? Size, nastiness and an edge all around. In depth insight on the newest Leafs from the people who know them best, at @theathletic.bsky.social
The Maple Leafs are scheduled to make six picks in today’s NHL Draft. Who are they looking at? And what’s their new draft philosophy this year? Leafs draft preview:
Brad Treliving confirmed the expected today: Leafs star Mitch Marner is going to test free agency on July 1.
Canada will play a friendly against Colombia, ranked 14th in the world, in October in New Jersey. One of #CANMNT’s biggest tests since Jesse Marsch took over. Expect more South American friendly opponents in the near future, too.
“I don’t want to put a ceiling on myself.” #CANMNT midfielder Nathan Saliba has been transferred from CF Montreal to Belgium's RSC Anderlecht. The inside story of how Saliba became the next Canadian to move to Belgium in the hopes of conquering Europe: @theathleticfc.bsky.social
The Maple Leafs drafted 12 players in 2020. And five years later, they have not gotten a single NHL game out of their largest draft class in a generation. What unfolded from a remarkably disappointing draft, how it hurt the team and what can be learned:
After one of the ugliest first halves in recent Canada memory, #CANMNT’s quality shone through and they’re onto the Gold Cup quarterfinals. How Canada topped El Salvador and what comes next, at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
The NHL Draft is this weekend and the Maple Leafs will try to find the next Matthew Knies when their highest pick is late in the second round. Who could they target? A deep dive into the Leafs options and what they're likely thinking, at @theathletic.bsky.social
Just before 11 pm ET last night, Concacaf announced Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has been cleared of any wrongdoing in their investigation: #CANMNT
Ali Ahmed is out of the Gold Cup. The Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder has left Canada camp after his ankle injury. No replacement is incoming. #CANMNT
Another Maple Leafs prospect heads out of the organization: Topi Niemelä signs a one-year deal with Sweden’s Malmo Redhawks. The Leafs still retain his NHL rights but despite his high end hockey IQ, his season and size make it difficult to see him playing in Toronto.
A frustrating result for Canada in their 1-1 draw against Curaçao. What went wrong, what went right and what comes next at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
From last night: New info on why Jesse Marsch is being investigated by Concacaf, Canada Soccer’s response and what could come next, at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
Luc De Fougerolles has emerged as one of Canada's up-and-coming talents. And with his contract expiring, interest in the centre-back is increasing. The Vancouver Whitecaps have made an initial offer to De Fougerolles, @theathleticfc.bsky.social has learned. #CANMNT www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
Canada dominated Honduras with one of their most clinical performances under Jesse Marsch. If they’re Gold Cup favourites, #CANMNT certainly played the part in Vancouver. Takeaways at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
ICYMI: Canada Soccer's CEO tells @theathleticfc.bsky.social playing friendlies at home in Canada is a priority for the men's national team in the lead up to the 2026 World Cup. Opponents? Don't be surprised if #CANMNT welcome South American teams up north.
Canada dominated Honduras with one of their most clinical performances under Jesse Marsch. If they’re Gold Cup favourites, #CANMNT certainly played the part in Vancouver. Takeaways at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
Niko Sigur starts for Canada tonight in their Gold Cup opener. Six years ago, the last time he was in BC Place, he was a ball boy for a #CANMNT game. Today, he's becoming a star.
Canada's Derek Cornelius has what Canada Soccer is calling a "lower body injury" and is not in the squad against Honduras tonight. He is expected to be ready for Canada's second game against Curacao. #CANMNT
With the World Cup approaching, Canada Soccer's CEO tells @theathleticfc.bsky.social that having Canada play friendlies at home is a priority. And with the availability of opponents dwindling, playing South American teams appears more and more likely. #CanMNT
Alphonso Davies is in Vancouver to support his Canada teammates for their Gold Cup opener. Great gesture from the Bayern Munich defender. #CanMNT
Some random Maple Leafs news: London Knights goalie Austin Elliott tells @theathletic.bsky.social he has *not* been invited to Leafs training camp. Elliott will attend Dallas Stars development camp. No plans right now to attend Leafs camp and no idea how the Leafs rumour started either.
British Columbia-born Niko Sigur last stepped foot in BC Place as a 15-year-old ball boy for a Canada national team game. Tonight? He'll likely start for Canada alongside those he watched. Meet the next #CANMNT star: @theathleticfc.bsky.social
Jonathan David: One of Europe’s best goal scorers, on the verge of a career-altering transfer and now, Canada captain for the first time. Why Jesse Marsch is giving the “chill” reserved David the armband for the Gold Cup, at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
The "chill" Jonathan David might not seem like a natural captain. But as David steps into the limelight with a career-altering summer transfer, it's time for him to lead #CANMNT too. Inside the move to make David captain at the Gold Cup: @theathleticfc.bsky.social
Jesse Marsch said both Derek Cornelius and Luc De Fougerolles are ready to go for Canada's Gold Cup opener tomorrow. Everyone on the squad is available, per Marsch. #CANMNT
Jonathan David in 2019. Tajon Buchanan in 2021. Moise Bombito in 2023. The Gold Cup is the coming out party for Canadian stars. This year? It’s time to start looking at 21-year-old Niko Sigur as the next #CANMNT star. The inside story at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
Assisting in Canada’s training session today: Pacific FC head coach James Merriman of the Canadian Premier League. #CANMNT
Of note: Jesse Marsch spent nearly 10 minutes pre-training today having a focused conversation with Daniel Jebbison. Jebbison struggled in his first #CANMNT start but by all accounts, Marsch is committed to working with and developing the forward through the Gold Cup.
Canada training about to begin in sunny Vancouver: Ismaël Koné has arrived and will train today. Derek Cornelius will not train today while Luc De Fougerolles will largely train on his own. De Fougerolles treatment today is largely precautionary. #CANMNT
Canada’s Gold Cup preparation is underway here in Vancouver: ❓Why Alistair Johnston and Ismael Kone weren’t at training ❌ Update on Jesse Marsch suspension 🇨🇦 How Marsch got Gold Cup buy-in from stars #CanMNT @theathleticfc.bsky.social
“I’m a big believer in skill.” Meet Mark Leach, the new Maple Leafs director of amateur scouting. In an exclusive interview with @theathletic.bsky.social , the longtime Dallas Stars scout outlines how the Leafs could find value late in this month's draft:
First dispatch from Vancouver: Jesse Marsch is getting near complete commitment in Gold Cup participation from Canadian players. Canada's rivals can't say the same. How did it happen? And will it help Canada win their first trophy since 2000? #CanMNT @theathleticfc.bsky.social
Two weeks until the NHL Draft and the Maple Leafs have a new face running their draft table. An exclusive interview with Leafs director of amateur scouting Mark Leach on what their draft could look like and changes to the Leafs scouting approach:
One year today from the start of Canada’s World Cup, breaking down roster stars, locks, possibilities and outside chances. Deep dive on what the next year will bring for #CanMNT, at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
One year from today, Canada will begin their World Cup with two hopes: Earn their first men's World Cup win and change the sport in the country. A deep dive on the state of #CanMNT, with key questions to answer and early roster projection. @theathleticfc.bsky.social
365 days to go. It's exactly one year before the World Cup begins in North America, and there's many angles to consider. What should be expected? Who will surprise? And, naturally, what's in it for #CanMNT? Roundtable with @theathleticfc.bsky.social writers:
One year from today, the World Cup begins. That makes this summer crucial for Canada players looking for new clubs. Who could move? And what are they saying about the next stage of their careers? @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CanMNT
This summer could be incredibly important for the Canadian men’s national team. Moves to new clubs – with playing time and a World Cup roster spot – is what many #CanMNT players are after. What I'm hearing about players' futures, at @theathleticfc.bsky.social:
The future of Canada’s men’s national team was on display in a dominant 4-2 friendly win over Ukraine. Takeaways from Toronto @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CanMNT
Meet Gabriele Biancheri: the 18-year-old Manchester United youth forward who could choose Canada over Wales ahead of the World Cup. @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CanMNT https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6402601/2025/06/04/gabriele-biancheri-canada-manchester-united-wales-italy/
Every day, there’s another rumour surrounding Jonathan David and his career-changing summer transfer. But what does David himself want from the next stage of his career? Interview with the #CanMNT star from Halifax, at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
“He’s been a big player and done big things.” Why US legend Michael Bradley is joining the Canada’s men’s national team coaching staff in Halifax, at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CanMNT
Breaking from Halifax: Canada’s men’s national team has a new member on their coaching staff for part of this international window Longtime US national team and Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley #CanMNT Exclusive details at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
Tonight the Vancouver Whitecaps play one of the most important games for a Canadian soccer club ever. What it means for the Whitecaps and the rise of the Canadian men’s national team, at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CanMNT
Easton Cowan is on the verge of another Memorial Cup final. Is the Maple Leafs top prospect – now one of the most dominant junior players in Canada – ready to take the next step to the NHL?
What Brad Treliving said in his end-of-season availability, and what the Maple Leafs GM could have meant: Latest for @theathletic.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/639...
One of the biggest decisions the Maple Leafs will make this offseason? What Matthew Knies’ next contract looks like. A deep dive on Knies’ future, and why it makes sense to lock him up long term.
Cross between New Haven and NYC-style tonight: Ezzo cupped pep, bacon, jalapeños and banana peppers from last year’s garden.
What we learned from Keith Pelley today: Expect more responsibility for Brad Treliving and Craig Berube, to start. More on the future of the Maple Leafs management:
Canada's June roster features young faces, including the surprise addition of an 18-year-old Manchester United forward. New insight on the roster and what Canada see in Gabriele Biancheri, their latest possible dual national: #CanMNT @theathleticfc.bsky.social
Auston Matthews’ injury, Mitch Marner’s future, Max Pacioretty possibly eyeing the end and much more: We learned from the Maple Leafs end-of-season availability @theathletic.bsky.social
A Maple Leafs star had to avoid skating into a jersey thrown on the ice mid-game. Cursing and venting from the staff box. Even the person at the top of the organization looked stunned, forced to remove his Leafs gear. Scenes inside another ugly Game 7:
What happened to Matthew Knies in Game 6, what we saw of him postgame and whether his injury could keep him out of a pivotal Game 7 for the Maple Leafs:
Matthew Knies’ injury: What we know and what could happen in Game 7
"It gets very quiet. A quiet fear that comes over people." The core Maple Leafs are battling playoff demons. Those demons could alter their legacies for the worse. What do those demons actually look like in game? And can they kill them tonight in Game 6?
"Demons." It's what the Maple Leafs core are still battling in the playoffs. But what does it actually look like in a game when those demons take hold? And can they conquer those them tonight? The man who coined the phrase offers unique insight:
Defending the indefensible: What the Maple Leafs are saying after their humbling Game 5 loss:
Eastbound Go Train announcer, 5:19 PM: "Happy William Wednesday to everyone onboard. I call today William Wednesday because William Nylander is going to score tonight, am I right?" Game 5, two hours away.
What to watch for from the Maple Leafs in Game 5 with lineup changes a possibility:
"Berube acts the way he wants his players to act." Cracking jokes. Staying calm. Never getting too high or low. It doesn't make for great headlines, but Craig Berube is trying to change how the Leafs act and speak. Game 5 could determine if it works.
If today’s practice lines stay in place, it looks like the Maple Leafs won’t be making any lineup changes for Game 5.
I watched part of Game 4 with Joseph Woll's mom and siblings, on Mother's Day no less. They saw what everyone else saw: Woll looks to have found his playoff best, and just in time.
Maple Leafs dismal effort in Game 4 wastes Joseph Woll’s performance: Takeaways from Florida
What to watch for in Game 4 tonight for the Maple Leafs:
Auston Matthews not on the ice for Maple Leafs morning skate ahead of Game 4 tonight.
The Maple Leafs need the Joseph Woll of recent playoff runs to emerge, and quickly:
Update from Florida on Anthony Stolarz: the likelihood of the Maple Leafs starting goalie returning this series is starting to feel low:
What to watch for in Game 3 tonight: Maple Leafs lines and big questions, with @jonassiegel.bsky.social
“Joe showed again tonight why he’s one of the best.” Joseph Woll made his first start in nearly three weeks and pushed the Maple Leafs to an improbable 2-0 series lead. Inside the back-up’s fight to reclaim the starter’s job, at @theathletic.bsky.social
The Maple Leafs have the defending Stanley Cup champions in a strange place: Down 0-2 in a series. And they’re heading to Florida with a ton of confidence about their playoff future:
Joseph Woll starts, Matt Murray backs up: What we know about the Maple Leafs lineup heading into Game 2, with @jonassiegel.bsky.social
Craig Berube on Anthony Stolarz: “He’s fine. He’s recovering.” No timeline provided. Declines to say what Stolarz is recovering from.
What does Anthony Stolarz’s injury mean for the Maple Leafs goaltending situation?
Maple Leafs lose Anthony Stolarz but win Game 1: Takeaways from Toronto
"I’ve earned that ice time that I’ve been given. I knew with (Craig Berube) I’d have a bigger impact." Matthew Knies is just 22. And he's become a proven playoff performer in a short amount of time. Against the Florida Panthers, that's going to matter.
Beer with Tie Domi, playing Mario Kart Uno and bigger aspirations than the first round: Behind the scenes of the Maple Leafs win in the Battle of Ontario.⤵️
Beer with Tie Domi, playing Mario Kart Uno and bigger aspirations than the first round: Behind the scenes of the Maple Leafs win in the Battle of Ontario.⤵️
The Maple Leafs have won the Battle of Ontario: Takeaways from Game 6, with @jkamckenzie.bsky.social
What the Maple Leafs lineup changes for Game 6 look like, with @jonassiegel.bsky.social
Based on morning skate here in Kanata, it looks like Max Pacioretty could be moved up to the Maple Leafs top six tonight.
After last night’s shutout against the Senators in Game 5, the Maple Leafs’ big playoff question has re-emerged: Can Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner deliver when it matters?