Carlsberg Moments of the Month – March 2023

Canada qualifies for Concacaf Nations League Finals and Concacaf Gold Cup

Canada defeated Curaçao 2-0 in an away match to qualify for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup. Canada then defeated Honduras 4-0 in a home match to qualify for the 2022-2023 Concacaf Nations League Final. Canada will now travel to Las Vegas to play Panama in the semi-finals of the Concacaf Nations League Finals on June 15. With a win, Canada would face-off against USA or Mexico for the Concacaf Nations League trophy and Canada’s first domestic trophy since 2000’s Gold Cup win.

Jessie Fleming, Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David nominated for Concacaf Awards

The awards program focuses on two categories, the Concacaf Men’s Player of the Year and Concacaf Women’s Player of the Year. The nominees for each award have been selected based on performance statistics and the input of technical experts. The winners will be determined through a voting process involving players, coaches, media, and fans. Fan voting is now open on the Concacaf website, and the winners will be announced on April 13, 2023.

Canada Soccer celebrates International Women’s Day 2023

International Women’s Day is a global event that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of women. Canadian soccer has seen tremendous advancements for women, including the Women’s National Team’s preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, winning an Olympic gold medal, and women comprising 46% of Canada Soccer’s Board of Directors. Canada Soccer’s Acting President, Charmaine Crooks, encourages more women to step into leadership roles, and the organization is committed to building a culture that embraces fair and equitable solutions. They look forward to the FIFA Women’s World Cup and anticipate witnessing inspiring moments that will impact future champions.

Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team announces roster for match against France

Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team will travel to France in April 2023 to play France in a friendly match during the FIFA international window. The camp will be crucial in their preparation for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023. This is the last opportunity for head coach Bev Priestman to see players in their environment before selecting the 23-player World Cup squad in June. The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will feature 32 nations playing 64 matches across nine host cities in Australia and New Zealand.

Canada Soccer Hall of Fame welcomes Richard Hastings and Carmelina Moscato

Former Canadian soccer stars Richard Hastings and Carmelina Moscato have been named as the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023. Hastings was a Concacaf champion and men’s national team hero, while Moscato was a London 2012 bronze medal winner, Concacaf champion, and women’s national team hero. Hastings made 59 international “A” appearances across 13 years from 1998 to 2010 and played professionally in Scotland, England, Austria, and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Moscato won four Concacaf medals and made 94 international “A” appearances across 14 years from 2002 to 2015, and played for various clubs in Canada, USA, Italy, Sweden, and Australia.

Jonathan David again sets Canadian record for goals in a Top-5 European league

Jonathan David set a Canadian record for most goals in a top-5 European league when he scored his 16th goal of the 2022-23 season and became Lille OSC’s joint top scorer in all competitions, equaling Eden Hazard’s record of 50 goals. David made 38 international “A” appearances and has scored 22 goals with 11 assists for Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team since 2018. Lille OSC won the Ligue 1 title in 2020-21 and the Trophée des Champions in 2021.

Applications to host 2023 CIBC Soccer Fests Now Open

Canada Soccer has begun accepting hosting applications for the 2023 CIBC Soccer Fests, the country’s largest and longest-running grassroots soccer program, with CIBC as the new title sponsor. The festival program has provided financial grants and technical resources to clubs and has reached over four million Canadians in more than two decades. Community soccer clubs, administrators, coaches, and volunteers are encouraged to apply online early to secure their desired festival date, with the schedule expected to fill up quickly. The program aims to provide a fun, developmentally appropriate environment for young players to experience the joy of the game and develop a lifelong love of the sport.