A Career Built on Details
MONTREAL — Maxime Crépeau wiped away tears during "O Canada" on Thursday. By Friday night, he was making the kind of saves that remind you why goalkeepers are judged by different metrics than everyone else.
The 32-year-old from Candiac, Que., turned in a stellar performance in front of his hometown crowd at Stade Saputo, stopping a point-blank shot from Mason Melia in the 83rd minute to preserve a 1-1 draw against lower-ranked Ireland in Canada's final World Cup tune-up.
It could have been worse. Canada dominated the first half, holding 67 percent possession and outshot Ireland 9-1, but led by only one goal thanks to an own goal from Irish defender Jake O'Brien in the 23rd minute. The Canadians controlled the game without capitalizing, and Ireland punished them on the counter after the break.
The Record He Leaves
Cyle Larin's high kick on Jamie McGrath in the 57th minute conceded the penalty that Chiedozie Ogbene converted for No. 59 Ireland. Crépeau kept his team level by stopping Troy Parrott's subsequent penalty, then robbing Melia at the death.
"He looked really good and sharp the whole game, was the last defender in a really good way," coach Marsch said. "What a great save. Yeah, we know we can count on Max."
Canada opens the World Cup against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto before group-stage matches against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24, both in Vancouver.
The Part People Remember
The result leaves Canada with a familiar question: can a team that controls games but doesn't score enough goals find its finishing touch when it matters most? Marsch said he believes it will come. The calendar agrees — the clock is already ticking.