The Game Turned Late
Maxime Crepeau will be between the posts when Canada opens its FIFA World Cup campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina next Friday. Head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed Crepeau as the starting goalkeeper on Thursday, ending months of speculation that saw him split duties with Dayne St. Clair during Monday's friendly against Uzbekistan.
The 32-year-old Crepeau was tapped for the role based on what Marsch called "his maturity and experience, along with all of his goalkeeping qualities." Crepeau is expected to start Canada's friendly against Ireland on Friday, the team's final tune-up before the tournament begins.
St. Clair, the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, acknowledged the tight race earlier this year. "For whoever Jesse picks, the other person always supports in that role," St. Clair said. "There's a lot of respect between us and I think that's why we've been able to handle the situation so well." Goalkeeper Owen Goodman is also in the squad but was not considered for the starters' role.
The Small Details Added Up
The decision carries weight given Crepeau's history. He missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after breaking his leg during the MLS Cup Final, an injury sustained while playing for Los Angeles FC—who went on to win the title on penalties.
On the other side of the roster, Marsch said he will continue to weigh his options on replacing injured forward Marcelo Flores until after Friday's match against Ireland. Canada has until June 11 at 3 p.m. ET to name Flores' replacement.
Flores suffered a ruptured ACL on Saturday, just one day after being named to the roster, while playing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup with his Mexican club Tigres UNAL. Marsch highlighted Jayden Nelson's performance—Nelson scored Canada's second goal in their 2-0 win over Uzbekistan—as one option to fill the vacancy.
The Table Looks Different
That is the kind of injury timeline that turns roster planning into calendar management.