The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup is underway in the United States, and the Reds are well-represented.
The biennial international men's football championship of the North, Central American and Caribbean region consists of 12 teams split into three groups of four. The top two teams in each group automatically advance to the knockout stages, along with the two best third-place teams.
Here’s how the representatives from Toronto FC have fared thus far:
Canada – Tosaint Ricketts, Jonathan Osorio and Raheem Edwards
The Canucks are off to a fast start through their first two matches, topping Group A with four points thanks to a 4-2 win over French Guiana and a 1-1 draw with 2014 FIFA World Cup quarterfinalists Costa Rica.
Osorio and Edwards have yet to see the pitch, while Ricketts came off the bench in the 57th minute in Houston against the Ticos.
Canada’s standing in the group is somewhat tenuous, however, as CONCACAF’s disciplinary committee is expected to take action against French Guiana for fielding an ineligible player, Florent Malouda, which could alter the standings.
A tough test awaits the Canadians in their last group stage match as they head to Dallas to take on Honduras, with progression to the knockout stages in their own hands.
Follow Canada on Twitter: @CanadaSoccerENand @TorontoFC
United States of America – Justin Morrow
Like their neighbours to the north, the Stars and Stripes have also collected four points through two matches, good enough for the top spot in Group B.
Morrow was an unused sub in the USA’s 1-1 draw with Panama in Nashville, but got his first-ever competitive start on Wednesday night Tampa Bay. Morrow played the final 90 en route to a 3-2 win over Martinique in a dicey affair.
The USMNT finish things off in Cleveland against Nicaragua, who have yet to collect a point in this year’s competition.
Follow the United States on Twitter: @USSoccer and @TorontoFC
Panama – Armando Cooper
Los Canaleros are joint top of Group B alongside the United States, with Armando Cooper playing a role in both group stage matches to date.
Cooper entered in the 71st minute of a 1-1 draw with the U.S. while entering late against Nicaragua, playing four minutes to help his side see out the 2-1 win.
A crucial clash against third-place Martinique awaits on Saturday night as Panama look to advance to the knockout stage of the competition.
Follow Panama on Twitter: @fepafut and @TorontoFC
Keep it locked to TorontoFC.ca to follow your Reds away on international duty. You can also get the most recent updates @TorontoFC on Twitter.
