Michael Cox enjoyed a historic weekend. He drew the penalty and converted the ensuing spot-kick to give Nashville SC a 1-0 win over Bethlehem Steel. It marked the first win in the history of the USL’s expansion club in Music City, USA. Cox’s exploits highlighted a weekend which saw the number of Canadians who have appeared in at least one …

By our count, there are 39 Canadians who have got onto the pitches for USL matches.

Highlighting this week’s USL action was a goal from Keven Aleman, the former Canadian youth star who’s become somewhat of a forgotten man in the current national team set-up.

Raheem Edwards went from triumph to tragedy in a very busy 24-minute stint, Saturday.

The two teams met for the First Kick opener at BC Place this past weekend, and what a change. The teams combined to put a total of seven Canadians on the field. There was a goal and an assist from teenager Alphonso Davies.

A second-place finish in Group A to go with a no-fear sort of performance against both Costa Rica and Honduras will continue to stoke the still small hope that Canada is, indeed, heading in the right direction under head coach Octavio Zambrano.

“I think we’re going to make something of this Gold Cup,” said goalkeeper Milan Borjan, who, like many other players around him turned in an excellent performance. “With a new, amazing coach that gives the guys the confidence, gives the spirit for the games. It’s really good.”

Going into a game against a powerhouse like Mexico, you know Canada’s going to have precious few chances — so, to have any hope at all the conversion rate has got to be decent. Canada had three very good looks; Boakai misplayed the ball, Petrasso hit a poor penalty and Thomas's effort was close, but high.

Of course, Mexico is a powerhouse. But there are other factors at play, too. The game will be held in Sandy, Utah — which means the players have to deal with the challenges that a game at altitude presents. Canada played its first two group-stage matches in Kansas City, a loss to the United States and a win over Panama. Then, the Canadians travelled to the Denver area for its final group-stage game, and struggled to a 2-2 draw with Cuba at altitude.

The simple truth is If you have Zebie and Adekugbe on the flanks, that Canadian weakness isn’t evident. Instead, Floro is sending out makeshift fullbacks and hoping they can deal with the likes of Arroyo. And, remember that, in the opener against the U.S., Canada was torched down the wing on the Americans’ opening goal.