Canada Player Ratings: Osorio, Larin lead the way in US Virgin Islands rout

They say you never forget your first time, and indeed, it was a memorable debut for Canada in the Concacaf Nations League on Sunday.

John Herdman’s side defeated the U.S. Virgin Islands 8-0 at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida in the first of their four qualifying matches for the inaugural CNL competition.

Lucas Cavallini, Cyle Larin and newcomer Jonathan David each scored a brace, while Jonathan Osorio and Junior Hoilett also found the back of the net.

Given the USVI’s status (ranked 199th in the world), we’ll apply a golf-style handicap to our rankings; assume that a similar performance would have been worth an extra point or two against stronger opponents.

RATINGS

Milan Borjan (5) – Had very little to do, unsurprisingly. Goldberg from The Mighty Ducks probably could have kept a clean sheet in this game.

Alphonso Davies (5.5) – We didn’t see full attacking Phonzie, as he was playing a wingback role for much of the game, but he did do good work to set up both of Larin’s goals.

Derek Cornelius (5) – A pretty low-key debut for the 20-year-old defender, who did enough to repel the occasional USVI counterattacks as they arose.

Doneil Henry (5) – Not much excitement beyond a potential penalty-kick decision in the first half that was waved away by the referee.

Liam Millar (5.5) – Playing as a right-sided wingback, he had less freedom to boss the game than in his debut back in March, but still made some good connections with teammates, particularly Arfield.

Samuel Piette | USA Today Sports Images

Samuel Piette (5) – Had a bit of trouble on a few occasions with the size of some USVI players, but otherwise did well to sit in front of the two-man defensive line (yes, that’s not a typo).

Jonathan Osorio (6.5) – Clearly intent on making up for lost time with the national team, he set the early pace with lots of energy and a nice headed finish on Canada’s first goal.

Scott Arfield (5.5) – Lived up to his billing with the captain’s armband, putting his high work rate to good use as Canada looked to consistently switch the play.

Junior Hoilett (5.5) – His left-sided connection with Davies is blossoming, which is music to fans’ ears; had some good individual runs as well.

Lucas Cavallini (6) – Showed great instincts to clean up a rebound and score his first, and added a second before subbing off at halftime. Not much more you can ask for in 45 minutes of work.

Jonathan David (6) – A dream debut for the 18-year-old, who was always buzzing around the net and scored a pair for his troubles before subbing out in the second half.

Cyle Larin (6) – A big statement for Larin, who has struggled at times for Canada, but coolly finished a pair after entering as a sub, to re-open his national-team scoring account.

Marcel de Jong (5) – Came on late, allowing Davies to move further up into the attack; showed one of the game’s rare feisty moments, picking up Canada’s only yellow card. 

Tosaint Ricketts (5) – The Toronto FC and Canada super-sub, as usual, showed a quick burst shortly after entering the match, winning a dangerous free kick.

John Herdman, manager (5) – He sure did go attack-minded, playing what looked like a 2-5-3 formation. What else can be said? The true tests will come against sterner opposition.

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