#daniel squizzato

[forkickspodcast]

by Daniel Squizzato

If all goes according to plan, Canada’s “bronze-medal celebration” match this past weekend will be the last one they ever play.

For reasons both practical and symbolic, Saturday’s friendly against Mexico — a 3-2 win in front of 22,508 fans at Vancouver’s BC Place — represented the dawn of a new era for the women’s national team.

Canada’s first game since Rio 2016 was meant to celebrate the team’s second straight Olympic bronze medal, while providing a send-off for a trio of retiring veterans: Melissa Tancredi, Rhian Wilkinson and Marie-Eve Nault.

Also honored on the day were Karina LeBlanc, Carmelina Moscato and Emily Zurrer, all part of a core that rebounded from a last-place finish at the 2011 Women’s World Cup to win a surprise bronze at London 2012. That kicked off a half-decade nationwide swoon over this gritty, plucky and, of course, inspirational squad.

As Canada’s long-time core cedes their starring roles to the next generation, expectations are changing. Captain Christine Sinclair and head coach John Herdman have proclaimed that Canada’s target is to hit No. 1 in the FIFA rankings during this quadrennial cycle.

But is that a realistic target, or simply locker-room hype material?

Learning to expect expectations

Prior to the 2015 Women’s World Cup, Herdman claimed his team’s goal was to reach the final, something Canada has never done. Most observers paid the claim little credence, presuming Herdman was simply trying to motivate his squad. Ultimately, the home side went out in the quarterfinals.

But that tournament provided a launching pad for three members of Canada’s new core: Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence (who both recently signed in France; Buchanan with Lyon, Lawrence with PSG), and Jessie Fleming (who has turned many heads in her freshman year at UCLA).

Then, at Rio 2016, the new core welcomed Janine Beckie (who, at 22, is already among Canada’s top 10 all-time scorers), 21-year-old defender Rebecca Quinn and 17-year-old striker Deanne Rose.

The rapid ascent of those players — along with the addition of players like Josee Belanger and Allysha Chapman — are proof that Herdman’s not simply about psychological boosterism. He’s exceptional at evaluating and utilizing talent.

That was surely part of the Canadian Soccer Association’s thought process back in 2013, when they signed the Englishman through 2020. With the benefit of a long-term view, Herdman could gradually integrate new talent, in the hopes of peaking during the 2019 World Cup/2020 Olympic cycle.

And yet, what was supposed to be a transitional squad in Rio ended up punching above its weight, earning a first-ever win over Germany and beating Brazil for the bronze. That vaulted Canada to No. 4 in the world, the team’s highest FIFA ranking yet, and fueled dreams of reaching the global summit.

But if hitting No. 1 is truly the target, then beating Tier-I teams like Germany has to be the norm, not the exception, and having depth all over the field must be the default situation, not unexpected happenstance. The team isn’t there just yet.

Gaining entrance to Tier I

The departure of LeBlanc (retirement) and Erin McLeod (injury) has the goalkeeper position in more flux than it has been in for over a decade. The central defensive triumvirate of Buchanan, Quinn and Shelina Zadorsky has been solid, but there’s no clear option behind those three at the moment.

Lawrence and Belanger have done well as converted fullbacks, but the departure of Wilkinson and Nault has left few ready-made solutions at the position. Leaders like Diana Matheson, Sophie Schmidt and Desiree Scott will keep the midfield humming along, while Canada is actually developing some depth up front, with Beckie, Rose and Nichelle Prince.

Teenagers such as Gabrielle Carle (who was a Rio 2016 alternate), Sarah Stratigakis (who earned her first senior-team start on Saturday) and Marie Levasseur have been easing their way into the senior team, while 16-year-old Julia Grosso and 15-year-old Jordyn Huitema have shown promise.

But Canada’s performances at last year’s U-20 and U-17 Women’s World Cups (going out in the group stage in both tournaments) suggested the pipeline isn’t overflowing with players who are immediately ready to step in for a team hoping to be the world’s best.

Now, with a few more years of development, some of them could play roles in the next cycle. Buchanan, Lawrence, Beckie and Fleming (who’ll all be in their mid-20s) are poised to be standout stars at France 2019. And there is a good chance that Herdman will find more diamonds in the rough, be they from the youth ranks or players joining the national team later in their careers (a la Chapman).

But if you’re holding out hope that the next Christine Sinclair will appear to lead the way, here’s the reality: She’s not coming. Not now, not ever.

A matter of when, not if

The global game has evolved to the point where no single player can unilaterally determine the outcome of games the way Sinclair once did. The Canadian captain, who turns 34 this summer, still brings value to the team, but her years of peak influence are behind her.

But as she leads the team into the next cycle, she provides a living link to the generation that toiled in domestic obscurity for years before breaking through in London. The idea that Canada’s bronze medals “inspired a nation” has been overplayed to the point of self-parody, but for the team’s new core, winning a big tournament isn’t mere fantasy; it’s the next logical step in the team’s progression.

Of course, to be the best, you’ve gotta beat the best (i.e. the U.S.), something Canada’s been traditionally unable to do. The rivalry is staggeringly asymmetrical; the U.S. has won 46 of 55 all-time meetings, with Canada’s last win coming in 2001.

The outcome of their next showdown will give the clearest indication yet of whether reaching No. 1 by 2020 could truly be in the cards for Canada. At this point, the chances of Canada reaching that goal, in that timeframe, look pretty slim.

But that doesn’t mean Herdman’s proclamation is simply smoke and mirrors; rather, it’s a sign that as we close the book on Canada’s bronze generation, it’s time to start thinking about when, not if, the country’s golden generation will emerge.

[navigamus-blog-a-vela]

SAIL 2016 - Le Paralimpiadi 2016 di Rio de Janeiro verso la conclusione - 2016

18 settembre 2016 - Le regate veliche delle Paralimpiadi di Rio de Janeiro si avviano verso l’epilogo, con la disputa ieri della quinta e penultima giornata di regate, di scena sempre nelle acque della Baia di Guanabara. Una giornata molto importante, che ha assegnato le prime medaglie in due delle tre classi del programma, grazie alle performance di due equipaggi australiani, Daniel Fitzgibbon e Liesl Tesch nello Skud 18 e Colin Harrison, Russell Boaden e Jonathan Harris nel Sonar. In entrambi i casi, la conquista matematica della medaglia d’oro è arrivata dopo un’altra ottima giornata che li ha visti primeggiare nettamente: nello Skud 18, Fitzgibbon-Tesch hanno ottenuto altre due vittorie e alla vigilia dell’ultima prova in programma domani, hanno portato a 21 i punti di vantaggio sul secondo, agguantando un oro più che meritato. Stesso discorso per il Sonar, con Harrison-Boaden-Harris che hanno ottenuto un 2-1 che gli ha permesso di chiudere la giornata con un ampio margine sugli altri e di vincere quindi matematicamente il titolo olimpico. Buona comunque la giornata ieri per gli azzurri, la migliore della serie sia per Marco Gualandris e Marta Zanetti, che per Gianluca Raggi, Fabrizio Solazzo e Gian Bachisio Pira. Gualandris-Zanetti, nello Skud 18, hanno ottenuto due terzi posti e sono ancora sesti nella classifica generale, purtroppo matematicamente fuori dal podio, mentre Raggi-Solazzo-Pira grazie a un 9-6 hanno proseguito nella loro rimonta e hanno agguantato il 12mo posto della classifica dei Sonar. Nel Singolo 2.4 mR, infine, Antonio Squizzato ieri ha ottenuto un 6-10 e continua ad essere settimo nella graduatoria generale che ha nell’inglese Helena Lucas la leader, seguita a un punto dal francese Damien Seguin e a dieci dall’australiano Matthew Bugg, ieri in giornata decisamente negativa. Oggi, giornata finale delle Paralimpiadi di Rio 2016, il programma prevede l’ultima prova per tutte le classi, con inizio delle regate per le ore 12 (le 17 in Italia), su un campo che sarà allestito vicino alla Spiaggia di Flamenco.

FROM http://www.navigamus.info/2016/09/le-paralimpiadi-di-rio-de-janeiro-verso.html

[365footballorg-blog]

Kick Off: USMNT draws with Peru | Canada rolls | Three key Wednesday tilts

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October 17, 201810:54AM EDT

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:

USMNT pegged back late by Peru

Wednesday night guests Peru leveled with four minutes to play to hold the US national team to a 1-1 friendly draw. In our USMNT player ratings, young scorer Josh Sargent took home top marks. READ MORE | RECAP

Les Rouges rout Dominica

Canada continued their rampant start to Conacaf Nations league qualifying with a 5-0 stroll past Dominica in Toronto. Jonathan David notched a goal and an assist to stand at the top of the class in Daniel Squizzato’s player ratings. READ MORE | RECAP

Can D.C. go clear in playoff race?

In-form D.C. United can move four points ahead in the battle for the last playoff slot in the East by defeating a shorthanded Toronto FC outfit in Wednesday’s home tilt (7:30 pm ET | TSN2 in Canada, full TV & streaming info). The Reds have dropped just one of their last six in the US capital, but will be missing key players to suspension, injuries and international excursions. PREVIEW

SKC aim to reclaim second

Wednesday’s nightcap will see Sporting KC visit a Vancouver side desperate to keep playoff hopes alive (10 pm ET | TSN2 in Canada – full TV & streaming info). The visitors, who demolished Vancouver 6-0 earlier this year, can regain second place in the West with a victory. PREVIEW

Sounders invade Orlando City

Though weakened by some key absences, Seattle also have a midweek chance to improve their postseason lot on a trip to Orlando City (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). The Lions, who have been shut out five straight times heading into this contest, have yet to defeat their Wednesday visitors in three tries (0-2-1). PREVIEW

Crew SC jump in Power Rankings

Columbus made the biggest jump of the week in our MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings. Despite being idle, Gregg Berhalter’s boys climbed three spots to ninth. READ MORE

Herrera set for NYCFC return

New York City FC midfield ace Yangel Herrera is in line for a surprise return from injury against D.C. United this weekend. The Venezuela starlet was originally expected to miss the rest of the season, but has resumed full training and is slated for a sub shift to regain match fitness ahead of the playoffs. READ MORE

Tata to become El Tri boss?

According to Azteca Deportes reporter David Medrano, Atlanta United boss Tata Martino will leave to take over Mexico’s national team in December. However, Five Stripes exec Carlos Bocanegra has suggested it’s best not to believe everything you read. READ MORE

MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch

The Club & Country crew recaps the USMNT’s draw with Peru

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Kick Off: USMNT draws with Peru | Canada rolls | Three key Wednesday tilts was originally published on 365 Football

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Kick Off: 22 Under 22 roll out | ATL to take Pity? | Fisher out for season

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October 3, 201810:41AM EDT

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:

22 Under 22 set to kick off

Today’s the day! The unveiling of our 22 Under 22 list will begin at noon on Wednesday. To get everybody ready, Andrew Wiebe has offered up his tiered ranking of the league’s best young players. READ MORE

Red Bulls Power to the top

Thanks to their big win over Atlanta United, the New York Red Bulls have wrested away the top spot in our MLSsoccer.com Power Rankings. Seattle rose three slots to rejoin the top five, while D.C. United’s two-rung jump brought them to a season high-water mark of eighth. READ MORE

Fisher lost for the remainder

D.C.’s big win over Montreal has come at a significant cost. The Black-and-Red will be forced to go the rest of their playoff chase without right back Oniel Fisher, who suffered a major knee surgery in that weekend victory. READ MORE

FC Dallas aim for new goal

Now that they’ve clinched a playoff spot, FC Dallas have a new target in sight. Oscar Pareja and his charges are now trying to make sure they secure a first round bye. READ MORE

Transfer wire: Martinez, Falcao

According to Estudio Futbol, Atlanta United have the inside track on signing River Plate playmaker Gonzalo ‘Pity’ Martinez, who would be the replacement if Miguel Almiron leaves this offseason. Meanwhile, Monaco strike ace Radamel Falcao has once again been linked with Columbus by Spain’s Sport, with Inter Miami also listed as a potential landing spot. MARTINEZ | FALCAO

Young Gonzalez wanted by MLS academies

Adrian Gonzalez, the 15-year-old brother of US-turned-Mexico international prospect Jonathan, was named MVP of the 2018 Sueño Alianza showcase. Soccer America reports that he led all players with 15 tryout invites, including some from FC Dallas, LAFC, San Jose and the US national team program. READ MORE

Nine MLSers in Canada selection

Canada boss John Herdman has called up 22 players, including nine out of MLS, ahead of their October 16 Concacaf Nations League qualifying tilt with Dominica. Our Daniel Squizzato writes that the youthful squad represents a bright new era for the program. ROSTER | SQUIZZATO

MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch

MLS Roundtable: The influence of Hispanic players

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Kick Off: 22 Under 22 roll out | ATL to take Pity? | Fisher out for season was originally published on 365 Football

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Kick Off: USA, Canada in action | NYCFC, SKC, Portland host important games

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September 7, 201811:19AM EDT

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:

USMNT welcomes friendly foe Brazil

The US national team will kick off the new World Cycle with Friday night’s tough friendly test against Brazil in East Rutherford, New Jersey (7:30 pm ET | FS1, UniMás, UDN). The squad will be without Sebastian Lletget, who has departed camp due to a nagging abdominal injury. READ MORE | WIEBE: WHO I’D START VS. BRAZIL | PREVIEW

Nations League opener for Canada

Canada will embark on their Concacaf Nations League qualifying road with Sunday’s match against the US Virgin Islands in Bradenton, Florida (4 pm ET | oz.com). Our Daniel Squizzato writes that now is the time for manager John Herdman to begin shaping the future through youth. READ MORE | PREVIEW

The Rooney-Acosta show plays NYC

On Saturday afternoon, New York CIty FC will try to regain their footing against a visiting D.C. United outfit that hasn’t won away since May and has dropped all three meetings at Yankee Stadium by a 10-3 combined count (4:55 pm ET | Univision, Twitter – full TV & streaming info). The Cityzens could get a surprise boost before the end of the season, as recovering midfielder Yangel Herrera says his ankle injury is healing faster than expected. READ MORE | PREVIEW

Can SKC, Timbers climb at home?

Sporting KC can jump into sole possesion of second place in the West with a victory over Saturday night guests Orlando City (8:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). Sam Stejskal dives into the other big SKC news of the week to find a club quite happy with the contract extensions handed out to four key cogs. READ MORE | PREVIEW

Meanwhile, Portland can leapfrog rivals Seattle to take fifth place when they host a Colorado side that has leaked multiple goals in nine of 12 road games this season (10:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info). With Jake Gleeson and now Jeff Attinella on the mend, the Timbers will turn to new netminder Steve Clark for Saturday’s contest. READ MORE | PREVIEW

Webb, Agoos reflect on VAR year one

There’s been plenty to reflect on after a year of Video Review. | USA Today Images

Now that we’re most of the way through the first MLS season to feature the Video Review system, chief architects Jeff Howard Webb and Jeff Agoos have stepped back to review the system itself. And despite some hiccups, each is pleased with its impact on games. READ MORE

Caps add Dutch winger Emnes

Vancouver have received a dose of Dutch attacking guile with the free agent signing of winger Marvin Emnes. The 30-year old came up with hometown side Sparta Rotterdam before working 238 total matches in England for Blackburn, Middlesbrough and Swansea City. READ MORE

Elsewhere, D.C. United may also be looking to add to their squad for the stretch run. The Washington Post has the Black-and-Red pondering a move to pick up erstwhile Chicago defender Kevin Ellis. READ MORE

Report: Euro powers browsing Bello

According to Italy’s Calcio Mercato, a laundry list of big European clubs have their scouts keeping tabs on precocious Atlanta United left back George Bello. Fresh off his MLS debut, the 16-year-old is apparently being monitored by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City. READ MORE

MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch:

Beyond The Stands: Kelyn Rowe’s “Never. Ever. Give. Up.” crew

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Kick Off: USA, Canada in action | NYCFC, SKC, Portland host important games was originally published on 365 Football

[navigamus-blog-a-vela]

SAIL 2014 - Il Trofeo Citta di Jesolo 2014 – Regata Nazionale Team Race 2.4 a Uguali nel Vento – 2014

VENEZIA – L’edizione 2014 del Trofeo Città di Jesolo, valida come regata nazionale team race per la classe paralimpica 2.4 va alla squadra di Uguali nel Vento, portacolori della Compagnia della Vela di Venezia, circolo che insieme al porto Turistico di Jesolo, diretto da Giorgio Dalla Pietà, ha ospitato per il weekend le sette squadre in gara. Rodato il format di regata, che, grazie alla presenza di giudici nazionali come il capo degli arbitri Ezio Fonda e il presidente del Comitato di Regata Giorgio Battinelli, si è svolto senza intoppi fino al dodicesimo volo in due giorni di prove serratissime “sorvegliate” da ben undici mezzi di assistenza a mare. Il Trofeo, supportato dal Comune di Jesolo e dal socio della Compagnia della Vela Renato Ravizza, da sempre vicino alle attività di Uguali nel Vento, ha visto prevalere il team composto da Marco Collinetti, Maurizio Stefano e Antonio Squizzato, che da buoni padroni di casa hanno saputo sfruttare al meglio il campo di regata amico per superare – con punteggio pieno di 12 voli vinti su 12 disputati – atleti di grande levatura come Cristiano Dagaro, Manuel Polo e Piero Fabbro, componenti della squadra della SVOC di Monfalcone (giunti secondi con 9 voli vinti su 12), e il team del Circolo della Vela Mestre, vincitore di 8 voli, con Paolo Bianchini, Riccardo Boscolo e Gianni Genovese. Appena fuori dal podio Uguali nel Vento di Giorgio Curzi, Daniele Malavolta e Sara Conti (riserva Rossella Mengascini), mentre seguono l’AVAS Lovere di Danilo Destro, Claudio Zana e Fabrizio Olmi, la Lega Navale Italiana di Milano con Elena Polo D’Ambrosio, Nicola Redavid e Stefano Garganigo e il team croato composto da Diego Cukaric e Walter Stemberger capitanati da Cristian Tarasco Alla premiazione era presente anche il Presidente del locale Comitato Paralimpico Ruggero Vilnai. La signora Chiara Amadi ha consegnato il premio intitolato al marito Fabio Amadi, che è andato al più giovane atleta della flotta. Il brindisi finale è stato il modo migliore per dirsi arrivederci, visto che l’esperienza del team race è stata molto positiva per tutti gli iscritti e ha regalato una sensazione diversa di regata, dove a vincere non è l’individualità, ma la forza e la coesione del collettivo. 

FROM http://www.navigamus.info/2014/06/il-trofeo-citta-di-jesolo-regata.html