To help celebrate Canada Day, MLSsoccer.com contributor Peter Mallett picks his all-time Canadian Best XI team. It's a squad that spans generations and one we think could run with the world's top teams.
Note: This article is an update from the one that was originally published on Dec. 27, 2010.
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Goalkeeper
Craig Forest — Backstopped Canada to their first major international tournament title, the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Had a lengthy 17-year career in England with Ipswich Town and West Ham and is currently an MLS analyst on Rogers Sportsnet.
Defenders
Bob Lenarduzzi — The current president of MLS expansion side Vancouver Whitecaps had an 11-year playing career with the team. He also represented Canada 47 times, leading them to a berth in the 1986 World Cup.
Randy Samuel — Has the second-most career appearances for Canada (82). During a 14-year international career, his rugged play made him one of the most feared and respected defenders in CONCACAF.
Bruce Wilson — Captained Canada to their first and only appearance in a World Cup in Mexico in 1986. Two years later, he was the only Canadian named to the CONCACAF Team of the Century.
Midfielders
Paul James — Scored a crucial goal for Canada against Costa Rica during their Marching to Mexico 1986 World Cup campaign and represented the national squad 43 times between 1983 and 1993 as a defensive midfielder.
Julian de Guzman —The first ever Canadian-born player to play in Spain’s La Liga (pictured above) is currently one of three Designated Players for Toronto FC. Known for his solid defending and brilliant ball skills, he has 47 international caps for Canada.
Dwayne De Rosario — This clutch finisher is currently tied for third on Canada’s all-time goal scoring list with 16. Now with D.C. United, DeRo has been named to the league’s Best XI five times.
Mike Sweeney — A pint-sized but hard-tackling, ruthless midfielder who represented Canada more than 61 times during a 14-year international career. His quickness and pace made him a natural fit for both the indoor and outdoor game.
Forwards
Alex Bunbury — His 16 goals in 66 appearances put him tied for third on Canada’s all-time scoring list. This clinical finisher, who spent 1999 and 2000 with MLS' Kansas City Wizards, was also named Top Foreign Player of the Year in Portugal in 1994 while with Maritimo. He is the father of current Sporting Kansas City forward Teal Bunbury.
Dale Mitchell — His 19 career goals remain a Canadian national team record. He also had a lengthy career in the North American Soccer League (1977-1983) and the Major Indoor Soccer League (1984-1987).
Branko Segota — Likely the nation’s most gifted goal-scorer, he ranks 13th on the NASL’s all-time scoring list (73) and also has the second highest goal tally (463) in the history of the Major Indoor Soccer League.
Second Team
(GK) Tino Lettieri; (D) Paul Stalteri; (D) Robert Iarusci; (D) Colin Miller; (M) Wes McLeod; (M) Paul Peschisolido, (M) Lyndon Hooper, (M) Gerry Gray, (M) Randy Ragan, (F) John Catliff; (F) Mike Stojanovic
