Guelph United FC will be getting their first national exposure this season as they compete in the main draw of the Canadian Championship tournament.
The team won the League 1 Ontario championship in their inaugural season, defeating the Oakville-based Blue Devils FC in the championships last November. The title earned them entry into the Canadian Championship, a knockout tournament containing sides from all levels of Canadian soccer. The League 1 Ontario champions join the three Major League Soccer sides, eight Canadian Premier League teams and the champions of the Premiere Ligue de Soccer du Quebec. So far in the competition’s history, L10 sides have struggled to win against higher leagues on the Canadian soccer pyramid, but Guelph United are hoping to buck the trend.
The team has been matched against the CPL’s HFX Wanderers in the first round, and will host the Halifax-based team in a single-game elimination match. The winners will move on to take on seven-time Canadian Championship winners Toronto FC in the quarterfinals. In addition to national pride, the Canadian Championship offers the pride of international exposures, as the winners qualify for the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Champions League against the top clubs from the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Cup games are a special occasion throughout the soccer world, with fans using everything from colourful banner printing to musical instruments to support their side.
Guelph United FC are set to make their Canadian Championship debut on May 10 at Alumni Stadium. The match will be streamed online through the OneSoccer service.
