Canada faces Uzbekistan in World Cup tune-up Monday
Men's soccer team preps for rain-soaked friendly at Commonwealth Stadium before June 11 tournament launch.
Canada's men's soccer team will take on Uzbekistan on Monday at Commonwealth Stadium in what amounts to a final dress rehearsal before the World Cup kicks off June 11 in Toronto.
Heavy rain is forecast to continue across Alberta through the week, but head coach Jesse Marsch said the team is ready regardless. "We'll be prepared to pivot if the pitch is a little bit soggy," Marsch said at a Sunday press conference. "But I think both teams are on the same boat."
The friendly comes as Canada deals with a significant injury blow: midfielder Marcelo Flores, who was named to the World Cup roster just days ago, suffered a ruptured ACL on Saturday in the Concacaf Champions Cup Final and will miss the entire tournament. Marsch confirmed the news Sunday, saying the team is "devastated" for the 22-year-old from Georgetown, Ontario.
"We're obviously disappointed for him," Marsch said. "Our hearts are with him; he's in good spirits."
Canada has a provisional squad of 55 players to draw from for a replacement. Marsch mentioned Daniel Jebbison and Junior Hoillett as potential options. The team also has lingering concerns about star defender Alphonso Davies and forward Promise David.
Canada opens its World Cup group stage June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, with Ireland as a second tune-up opponent on June 5 in Montreal.