r/CanadianPL

• Feel free to post screenshots of the teams starting lineups in the comments section.
• Comments are sorted by 'new' + match threads are shared 30 minutes prior to kickoff.

https://preview.redd.it/nud00a1lnvjh1.png?width=678&format=png&auto=webp&s=2b6c6bfa3265f8b3bfaee8fa6dcbe5448f786ec1

• Feel free to post screenshots of the teams starting lineups in the comments section.
• Comments are sorted by 'new' + match threads are shared 30 minutes prior to kickoff.

https://preview.redd.it/1bwxwlvanvjh1.png?width=618&format=png&auto=webp&s=25e717a435c938c6368e8bb4980b228cf94453c3

I’ve been a CPL supporter since the nationwide tryouts, way before the first kickoff. I’ve bought soccer balls, scarves, jerseys, and other accessories to support it as much as I financially could and attended games all over the country, despite the fact that the closest team is hundreds of kilometres away from my home. I wanted to make sure that my background was properly represented before saying what I’m about to say.

There are many things about the CPL that make me genuinely worried about the future of this league. The lack of proper TV coverage, the unimpressive attendance, the fact that two teams have already folded, that expansion projects have been cancelled, that the product still feels extremely niche and catered towards hardcore soccer nerds like myself rather than the general public. Also, teams being set up as franchises rather than clubs with academies from knee high to U23 makes it complicated to have a true developmental structure covering the game from all angles.

The branding of some of these clubs is also irritating me, like Ottawa being the local branch of a foreign club, Supra being branded as Quebec instead of Laval, when we know that more teams should see the light of day in the province, VFC being branded as Vancouver, Inter Toronto’s unnecessary branding when York United was a fine identity. Also, while individuals owning multiple franchises is something that has existed in other leagues, it doesn’t make for a sound business model in the long run.

The Easton Report recommended a second division before creating a top tier league. That should have been set up regionally like the CHL does with the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL. Now, we have a big hole between semi-pro/amateur leagues and what should be our D1.

By the way, I am purposely making no mention of the MLS in my analysis as I believe that the CPL woes are completely unrelated to the presence of the MLS in Canada. We’re talking about two different products with completely different means and development stages.

I predicted that the CPL would have a difficult time surviving past the World Cup and I hope I will be proven wrong. The CPL would do well to make money off of the transfer market by developing world class talent, until TV rights and ticket/product sales catch up. That is its best hope for sustainable growth.

I know some of you are passionate about the CPL, and so am I. I just think we could and should do better at this stage of our soccer history.

Two sides on level footing in the standings will have a direct opportunity to push past the other this week, as Atlético Ottawa host Vancouver FC on Wednesday.

FC Supra Du Quebec has just announced that Mateo Cabanettes is no longer part of the club.

First one to bite the dust...

#CanPL

Probably been talked about on here already, but if the CPL (even the NSL) is real with itself and not try to be bigger or more than what it is (a minor pro level league). I can see CPL have many teams represented young soccer talent throughout the country. Soccer is very popular but it is also Canada. There isn't a multi billion dollar sports industry like our neighbours to the south or in europe. As long as we do pro sports at the canadian scale, there can be many teams. All you need is 5,000-10,000 seat facility. That all being said, I can see the league grow to these regions:

Pacific FC

Vancouver FC (stay in the suburbs! DONT MOVE DOWNTOWN EVER!)

Calgary

Edmonton

Regina (Mosiac Stadium)

Winnipeg (needs a different owner. Bombers neglected the managment of the team)

Windsor

London

Quad Cities (Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo, Guelph)

Hamilton

Peel (Mississauga or Brampton)

Inter Toronto (Stay in York region! DO NOT MOVE DOWNTOWN!)

Durham

Halton

Ottawa

Supra (STAY IN LAVAL! DO NOT MOVE INTO MONTREAL!)

Quebec City

Halifax (only market in the Maritimes that is relativiley large enough and wealthy enough to support a team. Moncton has the stadium but the city is poor)

I personally hope so, not a fan of the kits or name yet ill cheer for them regardless