The Ontario Soccer Association has asked its members to not play league games during Canada’s home World Cup qualifying dates,a strong signal that all three group-stage home matches will be played at BMO Field.
The 11 has learned that the OSA will ask all leagues under its jurisdiction to block out June 12 (date for Canada vs. Honduras), Sept. 7 (Canada vs. Panama) and Oct. 12 (Canada vs. Cuba). The OSA has made it clear that it wants all focus to be on the Canadian men’s national team and national-team matches to be played at BMO Field. It is not a confirmation of the national-team matches, but a very strong indication.
When contacted Tuesday morning, Canadian Soccer Association officials reiterated that no dates have been confirmed.
The dates for 2012 are expected to be revealed on Feb. 2.
The CSA has has stated that it has given Coach Stephen Hart the option to select where he wants the team to play, so that it would have the best home-field advantage. And, the feeling is that Hart would want as many direct flights as possible for his players and a grass field to play on.
Because Montreal’s Stade Saputo is not completed, even though it is scheduled to be ready by the time the qualifiers, can the CSA gamble on the venue? After all, construction schedules are, well, schedules. And, Edmonton could come back into play down the road if FC Edmonton’s dream of a soccer-specific stadium in the city is realized.
Of course, Toronto is not part of the Women’s World Cup.
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All I can say is, Man I can’t wait for the 2nd!!
Get a grass field that holds 20000 and you can host, Vancouver
Get 20K to a game Toronto… 1/2 capacity is not something to be throwing in our face. Sell out 3/4 or more of your stadium and then I’ll concede the point.
I think that is sad. Did we in Vancouver not just prove we support our country? How many times do we need to break Toronto’s attendance records before we will get a game? Screw the grass field noise, that turf in B.C. Place is magic. I’ve played on it. If Toronto gets all 3, even after what we just accomplished with the Olympic Qualifiers in Vancouver, I will be super pissed. GD Ontario, you’re not the only people in Canada you know…
Again, and I tried to be very careful about this in the story, this came from an OSA memo, not from the CSA. So, it’s an indication that Ontario has strong reason to believe it is getting all three games.
I understand that. i’m just voicing my frustrations at the potential of this happening. I know nothing official will be announced until the 2nd at best