Page 81 - Soccer360 Issue 106

MARSCH
TAKES
TCHE HELM
anada Soccer has appointed Jesse Marsch as the new head coach for the men’s national team, entrusting him with
the role through to the 2026 World Cup. Marsch, who boasts extensive coaching experience across top clubs in England, Germany, Austria, and North America, steps into the position previously held by John Herdman. His appointment, part of a shift
in Canada Soccer’s operational approach, was made possible through
player pool. He highlighted the players’ raw athleticism and team speed as decisive factors in his decision to accept the position. Marsch is poised to lead Canada in upcoming high-profile matches against the Netherlands and France before competing in the Copa America, where Canada is grouped with Argentina, Peru, and Chile.
Marsch’s managerial record and experience
are expected to command respect within a team that has experienced recent tensions
with its governing body. Canada Soccer’s innovative approach to the hiring process also involved consultations with former Canadian internationals and veteran coaches, which
adds a layer of thoroughness and inclusivity
to the decision-making process. This strategic appointment marks a new chapter for Canada Soccer, aiming to propel the national team to new heights on the international stage.
significant philanthropic donations from the owners of Canada’s MLS clubs—Vancouver Whitecaps, CF Montreal, and Toronto FC—along with other private contributors.
The newly appointed Canada Soccer CEO and General Secretary, Kevin Blue, who faced initial skepticism last month regarding his financial strategies, has proven his effectiveness by securing Marsch’s commitment. Marsch’s diverse coaching background includes stints at Leeds United, RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, and Montreal Impact (now CF Montreal). His latest tenure at Leeds ended in February 2023. Marsch expressed
his excitement and confidence in joining the Canadian team, noting the alignment between his vision and the qualities of the Canadian
BENTEKE FOR PRESIDENT 2024- After a strong first full season in 2023, Christian Benteke has broken out in 2024 leading D.C. United out of the basement of the Eastern Conference. The former Belgian international has provided a much-needed attacking spark for D.C. all season, highlighted by a pair of hat- trick victories over the New England Revolution and Austin FC.
WINTER CLASSICO IN SALT LAKE- One of the perks for supporters at the start of the season is the possibility that there may be a snow game. Orange balls, players making snow angels after goals, and lots of half-frozen soccer players and coaches. Playing and watching an MLS snow game is a fun experience...for those who win. Real Salt Lake certainly enjoyed themselves at home in March when they dispatched LAFC 3-0 in blizzard conditions in Utah. After the match, while LAFC head coach Steve Cherunduolo
was decrying the conditions, the RSL players celebrated on the pitch with the supporters who braced the cold to support the Claret and Cobalt.
TORONTO FC, NYCFC ENTER THE THUNDERDOME- One of the more underrated rivalries in MLS in recent years has been Toronto FC-NYCFC, with the two teams pulling together a string of tough, hotly contested through the years. Everything seemed to spill over this season with the two teams engaging in a brawl after NYCFC edged out The Reds 3-2. After the match, multiple TFC players and coaches alleged that NYCFC head coach Nick Cushing had hit a player after another rough match back in March (Cushing after the match denied the allegations).
SOCCER360 SUMMER 2024 79
ABOVE:
Canada has appointed Jesse Marsch as the new head coach for the men’s national team.
HERDMAN
HEALS
TORONTO
Marco D’Onofrio looks at the incredible impact John Herdman has already had on Toronto FC in his first year at the helm.
John Herdman has turned Toronto
FC around during his first campaign in charge.
Before John Herdman had even agreed
to take over as head coach of Toronto FC, he knew he was inheriting a squad that underachieved more than any other in MLS history. TFC had the highest payroll in all
of MLS in 2023, with a squad salary of over $25 million. However, they still managed to finish dead last with just 22 points.
The crucial factor is how Herdman has been able to get his Italian superstars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi to buy in, which has completely transformed the team. “From the first day that we met the coach, I was always impressed with him,” Insigne said of Herdman in March. “He has great ideas defensively and offensively.
The whole team works very well under him. Federico and I have a lot of trust in him. I speak to [Herdman] more than to my own wife! I know it’s going to be a great season.” It has been obvious how much the team loves playing under Herdman. Even with Insigne missing some time early in the campaign due to an injury it hasn’t affected the squad on the pitch. Toronto FC even managed to pull of their first come-from- behind win since 2022 and first on the road since 2017 when they found the back of the net in the 87th and 90th minutes to beat Orlando City SC 2-1 in April.
The season is long though and Herdman still has a long way to go before TFC gets back to where many expect them to be,
but the Herdman-era is having fans believe again. So far, the early indications suggest he could have a similarly transformative effect as he had with the Canada men’s national team.