Where's Aidan Morris? Atiba's last dance? 3 TAKEAWAYS from CanMNT squad
We've been wondering what sort of Canadian men's national team roster John Herdman would bring to the Concacaf Nations League finals next week in Las Vegas, and on Wednesday, most of those questions were answered as the squad was announced.
Spoilers: It's the usual suspects, as Herdman brings back most of his 2022 FIFA World Cup brotherhood – Atiba Hutchinson, Milan Borjan and all – to finish off their Nations League campaign and neatly wrap up this era with a shot at silverware.
You can't fault Herdman for showing loyalty to his group. These players have battled together for four years, went to a FIFA World Cup together, and would love nothing more than to earn a trophy for the first time since 2000 together, before likely saying farewell to a few veterans and beginning to transition to the next generation at the Concacaf Gold Cup.
That being said, here are 3 takeaways from the CanMNT roster.
So... where's Aidan Morris?
Leading up to the squad announcement, much of the talk surrounded the status of 21-year-old Columbus Crew midfield standout Aidan Morris, who was surprisingly included in Canada's 53-player shortlist for the tournament.
While the general Canadian soccer community learned of Morris' Canadian eligibility at that time, the excitement about his potential call-up rapidly grew, with the hype around the U.S. youth international's potential switch fuelling discussions and debates in the week or so that followed. Our Gareth Wheeler reported that Aidan Morris did indeed receive a call-up for the Nations League squad... so did he say no?
That's the big question. While his Columbus teammate Mo Farsi was left off the preliminary list despite his strong form, the former CPL-er made it clear he only wished to take some time to think over his international future before making a decision. That's fair, and it's probably the same case here for Morris.
While a potential turn-down of a call isn't ideal, it may actually work in everyone's best interests. This is, as made clear with the roster decisions, a final bow for some of the older guard from the last World Cup cycle, so stepping into a brand new environment at this time might not be best for Morris, and would also leave one of those players out of the squad, too. Canada's Gold Cup squad, by comparison, will likely feature a number of newer faces, giving Morris an easier entry-point to the national team fold.
ICYMI ✨@GarethWheeler reports that #Crew96 midfielder Aidan Morris has been called up to the #CanMNT squad for the Concacaf Nations League... but will he accept? 👀
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) June 6, 2023
Here's why Morris has a huge opportunity with Canada 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/te6CJQJZUZ
Speaking of the U.S., they also play a role in this decision. In fact, their own interest in the player could have now been accelerated as a result of Canada's potential scoop. The U.S. team would also likely bring a younger squad to the Gold Cup, too, which would give Morris an opportunity to play there if he wished. His form at Columbus would certainly merit it this season.
Then you consider that he's got to balance long-term success and opportunity with one or the other, and you can understand why it seems Morris is choosing to delay his decision and keep percolating before making a final one – you've only got one shot at it, since you'd be cap-tied by playing in the Gold Cup, while this window would have been a free opportunity to take a look at Canada without closing the door on the U.S.. Then you've got considerations about the choice: Which one gives you the best shot at success? Which one values you more?
And, crucially it seems – which do you feel most connected to?
John Herdman says Aidan Morris’ heart is with the United States. Thinks he could be cap-tied as a result at the Gold Cup, or if not will wait for the new U.S. coach. Herdman says the lack of youth camps to build affinity with Canada is costing the program.#CanMNT
— Oliver Platt (@plattoli) June 7, 2023
It's a big decision. There's no harm in taking time to make it.
As such, perhaps this was the smartest play for the player himself, even if it's a little deflating for our excited corner of the soccer world.
A few more names miss the cut
We've grown accustomed to seeing the same 32 or so players making up different variations of 23- to 26-player squads of late, so it's not unusual to see a name or two missing from any given window. So, while leaving out players like Samuel Piette, Jonathan Sirois, and Joel Waterman might be more intentional decisions by Herdman to take a closer look at new options like Tom McGill, Dominick Zator and Victor Loturi, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention a couple of other names that have been floating around lately.
Just as Jacob Shaffelburg missed out on the last go despite solid form for Nashville SC, it seems CF Montreal midfielder Mathieu Choiniere will also need to show a longer stretch of consistent excellence before earning his call-up. Others, like Portland Timbers defender Zac McGraw or Nashville's Lukas MacNaughton, may play more important roles at the Gold Cup.
This time around, it looks like a few regulars like Doneil Henry, Mark-Anthony Kaye and Ike Ugbo will be out, through a combination of club form or uncertain futures. While Henry, Kaye and Ugbo were regular fixtures over the last World Cup cycles, each now faces a bit of an uphill climb to make their way back into the rotation. Henry, currently unattached, will need to find playing time – perhaps in the CPL – as his strong form from South Korea has been worn down through a number of half-stints across various MLS clubs; Kaye's strong defensive performances have been hampered by Toronto FC's poor overall form; Ugbo will need to find himself a new club and start scoring again.
Is this it for Atiba Hutchinson?
Once again, Canada's mercurial leader Atiba Hutchinson has been named to Canada's squad, and while the 40-year-old midfielder from Brampton has amassed a team-leading 103 caps for Les Rouges already, the question on everyone's mind is pretty clear.
How many more games will we see Atiba play?
There were reports at the end of 2022 following the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup that Atiba was considering retirement at the end of the 2022-23 season. After making 333 appearances for Besiktas over the last decade, his time at the Turkish outfit has certainly come to an end ... but is this final CanMNT window his last dance, too?
Legend. No other way to describe him. 👏 #CanMNT #CloneAtiba https://t.co/vFCJ8ftbtS
— Peter Galindo (@GalindoPW) June 6, 2023
It doesn't necessarily have to be – already, CPL outfit Atlético Ottawa have made their interest in his signature clear, and one final lap back home to help grow the game would be a fitting end to this Canadian stalwart's playing days.
But lifting a trophy for your country and bringing to full circle an international adventure that began 20 years ago also has a beautiful finality to it, too. Two more games separate Atiba from that glory. If he can uncork one final vintage performance – the sort that made him oh, so dominant over two decades for club and country – and claim the Concacaf Nations League title? It's, well... kind of perfect.
A trophy in tow, Atiba can finally rest and watch the sun rise over a grateful Canada.
