Goalscorer Cyle Larin proud to wear CanadaRED

Canadian goalscorer Cyle Larin is proud to wear the #CanadaRED of Canada’s Men’s National Team. Now in his second year playing at the international “A” level, Larin is one of 40-plus footballers that head coach Benito Floro is expected to feature in potentially the next two rounds of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Qualifiers.

“It is very important for me to play for Canada,” said Cyle Larin, who grew up playing in the soccer hotbead of Brampton, Ontario. “It’s important to show that soccer in growing in Canada and that we can make it to the next round (if we win) these matches. We want to show we’re a great soccer country.”

Larin had just turned 19 when he made his debut a year ago in Europe, coming in as a second-half substitute in a 1:1 draw with Bulgaria. He has since made 11 more appearances, with goals in back-to-back-to-back matches in March and June of this year. He scored his first goal on 30 March against Puerto Rico (a 3:0 win), then twice against Dominica in CONCACAF’s second round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Qualifiers (a 2:0 win on the road and a 4:0 win at home).

Larin’s most recent appearances were in CONCACAF Round 3 against Belize, with Canada winning the series to advance to the region’s semi-final stage. That round starts in less than two weeks when Canada faces Honduras at home in Vancouver on 13 November.

“Finding the balance of players that play well together is important,” said Larin. “It is important that the players connect both on and off the field. When it comes to the matches, to win games we have to score our goals and defend as a team.”

The November match will be the first of six matches that Canada plays in the CONCACAF semi-final round of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Qualifiers. With 12 nations remaining in the region, two nations from three separate groups will advance to the CONCACAF final round (“The Hex”), with Canada currently pitted against El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico in the semi-final round.

Larin, like his teammates, will be looking for the support of a home Canadian crowd on the first Friday to get off to a strong start in the 11-month playoffs, with the six matches to be played in November 2015, March 2016, and September 2016.

“I’m looking forward to just stepping out on the field at BC Place in November,” said Larin, who scored an MLS rookie record 17 goals in 2015 with Orlando City SC. “Hopefully the crowd can get behind us to help us win the game and get those three points.” 

Tickets to this 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifiers match start as low as $25 (plus applicable fees). Tickets are available online via ticketmaster.ca, by phone at 1.855.985.5000, or in person at the BC Place Box Office.

Groups of 10+ are eligible for price discounts of up to 30% off regular priced tickets, starting at just $17.50. For complete ticket information visit http://canadasoccer.com/canMNTvHON.

A special ‘Me+3’ is also available for this match. When purchasing three full price tickets in select sections, fans will receive the fourth one free. This offer is available viaTicketmaster.ca by selecting the ‘Me+3’ offer.

BC Place’s club seats offer fans a premium match day experience featuring exclusive entrances, in-seat service, larger comfortable seats, exclusive club lounges with a full-service private bar and heightened food offerings, all from some of the best views in the venue. Club seats offer great value at $90 and all fans purchasing a club seat ticket will receive a complimentary Canada Soccer scarf ($30 retail value).

Canadian supporters have been allocated a number of dedicated sections in the west end of BC Place. Fans wishing to sit in the Canadian supporter sections are encouraged to visit the Voyageurs website for more information and to purchase tickets through thevoyageurs.com.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ is the biggest single-sport event in the world. From 209 member associations from around the world, 32 finalists will qualify for the 32-day event that is played in 11 cities from 14 June to 15 July 2018.