LAFC’s Mark-Anthony Kaye starts in Canada’s Gold Cup loss

Canada attempted to slay the giant in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup on Wednesday, in Mexico, but the tournament favorites prevailed, 3-1, at Mile High Stadium in Denver in the teams’ second Group A game.

Los Angeles Football Club midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye got the call to start for the second straight game, a fact significant because Canada boss John Herdman made major changes to his lineup after Canada’s 4-0 win over Martinique. After the game, Herdman admitted he didn’t play his “best team,” on the night, with many speculating he wanted to keep something in reserve in case Canada meet Mexico again in the knockout stage.

“Mexico is a top team in Concacaf,” Kaye said after the match, as reported by MLSsoccer.com. “I think in a game like this, with our young players, it’s a good test for them and a good way for them to understand what it’s like to play at the highest level. As much as we didn’t get the result, it’s important for our young players to play in a game like this so we can learn from it.”

Also of note, Kaye played in midfield for this game, moving back to a more regular position rather than the left back where Herdman had been playing him.

Kaye and Canada are back in action on Sunday, when they wrap up group play against Cuba. They haven’t booked a place in the knockouts, but if they get a result against Cuba, they should advance. We’ll see.

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