Even though teams lost Canadians to international duty, the fact that so many other international players were also away opened up opportunities for our domestic players who usually ride the pine. The Impact started two Canadians in its 4-3 win over Chicago — and Wandrille Lefevre got a goal. The Eddies gave more than 300 minutes to Canadian players in their 1-1 draw with Minnesota United. Toronto FC gave starts to both Jonathan Osorio and Ashtone Morgan.

Tesho Akindele started for FC Dallas and scored on a penalty kick. Cyle Larin set the MLS rookie scoring record when the Orlando City striker notched his 12th goal of the season.

So, in fairness, it needs to be noted that a milestone was hit this week. The Impact is no longer the weakest of the five Canadian first- or-second-division sides when it comes to Canadians first-team minutes. On average, the Vancouver Whitecaps now give Canadians the lowest minutes-per-game of any of the five north-of-the-border MLS or NASL sides.

Quietly, Atlanta Silverback Kyle Porter has taken over as the Canadian who has seen the most minutes in 2015, either in NASL or MLS.

Currently, there are only eight Canadians who have got over 1,000 minutes of playing time each in either MLS or NASL this season. To put that in perspective, 1,000 minutes is just a little more than 11 full games.

Cyle Larin tied the MLS record for rookie goals in a season. In just 1,046 minutes of game action, the Brampton, Ont. native has scored 11 times for Orlando City.

And, in our weekly ranking of minutes played by Canadians, Ashtone Morgan was knocked out of top spot. He slips to third, as FCE’s Mallan Roberts is now No. 1 in terms of minutes played.

“The defending was a calamity,” said FCE coach Colin Miller after the match. “We didn’t give ourselves a chance.”

This is what happens when Canadians are allowed to play. The sky doesn’t fall. The team doesn’t go winless. If you don’t ever present challenges for your Canadian players, how can they ever rise to them?

“Explain this to me,” said Miller. “We play in Fort Lauderdale Saturday, and tomorrow we’ll be flying through Tampa on the way to San Antonio. Then, we’re back in Tampa on Saturday. How does that make sense? Only in this league does this happen, I guess. I’m not sure about the stadium availability, but how does this happen?”