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Men's National Team July 02, 2013

New-look Canada finding its rhythm ahead of Gold Cup

Miller to lead Canada into tune-up friendly on Tuesday.

Nearly nine months after its Brazil 2014™ campaign came to an end – Canada is preparing for its return to competitive action.

Under the guidance of Interim Head Coach Colin Miller – Canada is continuing its preparations for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup and will test itself on Tuesday with a tune-up friendly against local PDL side Ventura Country Fusion SC at the Oxnard College Stadium in Oxnard, CA (local kick-off 16.00).

Fans will be able to follow live coverage on Twitter: @CanadaSoccerEN at 19.00 ET / 16.00 PT. Highlights from the friendly will be available on CanadaSoccerTV following the game.

For Miller – the challenge at hand is very much a matter of finding the right balance in Canada’s approach to the tournament – between incorporating a collection of veterans and providing experience to a crop of up-and-comers, many of whom will be making their competitive debuts at the senior level.

“This is a great opportunity for everyone – and particularly the young players,” said Miller after Canada’s training session on Canada Day.

“We are looking to build something for the future of our national team.”

CANMNT: Canada finding its rhythm ahead of Gold Cup

Canada has been training in Oxnard since 26 June under the stewardship of Technical Director Tony Fonseca and with the arrival of Miller and the final group of the team’s MLS-based players, the camp is ramping up its intensity ahead of the Gold Cup kick-off on Sunday against Martinique.

“I’m happy with the commitment and attitude the players have shown in training,” said Miller.

“They look hungry to play, which is exciting.”

Following the friendly against Ventura County Fusion on Tuesday, Canada will train for two more days in Oxnard before heading into Los Angeles ahead of Sunday’s tournament opener against Martinique at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA (17.30 ET / 14.30 PT | Live on Sportsnet World).