Veteran forward Cyle Larin\u2019s return to form offers a bright spot for Canada\u2019s men\u2019s soccer team, with the World Cup just seven weeks away and being hosted at home.<\/p>\n
Larin has been pivotal in Southampton\u2019s push for promotion from the English Championship. In Tuesday\u2019s 2-2 draw against Bristol City, he scored his seventh goal in 17 games since joining the Saints on loan from Mallorca, including four goals in his last six outings.<\/p>\n
The 31-year-old had struggled in recent spells at Mallorca and Dutch club Feyenoord, where a loan ended in February without a single league goal. This slump also saw him lose his spot in Canada\u2019s starting lineup. Despite scoring 30 international goals, Larin hadn\u2019t scored for Canada since 2024, with coach Jesse Marsch recently favouring Tani Oluwaseyi and Promise David.<\/p>\n
However, with Oluwaseyi currently in a goal drought and David sidelined by a hip injury, Larin looks poised to reclaim his role and scoring touch.<\/p>\n
Since arriving at Southampton, something seems to have clicked. On his debut, he scored a stunning diving header just three minutes in, helping the Saints climb to 12th place. The fans welcomed him enthusiastically, a rare moment of joy for the striker who has endured tough times recently.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to cherish these moments,\u201d Larin said. \u201cWhen you feel good, it translates on the pitch.\u201d<\/p>\n
He predicted a hot streak, and he has delivered ever since. Southampton remains undefeated with Larin in the lineup, now 20 games unbeaten and sitting fourth in the table with two matches left. They are close to securing either automatic promotion or a playoff spot for the Premier League.<\/p>\n
The Saints also face a major challenge this weekend against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final. Larin has become a key figure in this confident side.<\/p>\n
In Saturday\u2019s game at Swansea, Southampton fell behind but quickly equalized. Larin was told to warm up and entered the match in the second half. A young fan unfurled a Canadian flag bearing Larin\u2019s name and face amid the away supporters \u2014 a rare and touching sight for a player in a foreign league.<\/p>\n
Larin\u2019s energy was undeniable as he pressed opponents and led the attack, even though he didn\u2019t find the net. In the 90th minute, Cameron Archer scored the winner, with Larin the first to celebrate near that Canadian flag. The Saints secured another crucial victory.<\/p>\n
Manager Tonda Eckert, who took over Southampton in November, praised Larin\u2019s impact after the match. \u201cIt\u2019s a proper grown man who came into the dressing room, and he\u2019s fit right in,\u201d Eckert said. \u201cI\u2019ve rarely ever seen someone with that much experience and presence on the pitch combined with so much humility off the pitch.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s only getting better and better. His impact today was outstanding. I think everyone was just so happy to have him on the pitch. Excellent development for him so far, and I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll have a big impact for Canada at the World Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reports from Spain suggest that Southampton may make Larin\u2019s loan move permanent this summer. If he and the club continue their upward trajectory, Larin could become one of the rare Canadians playing in the Premier League.<\/p>\n
Before leaving the room, Eckert added, emphasizing each word, \u201cTop character.\u201d<\/p>\n
Canada may soon have one of its own leading the charge on soccer\u2019s biggest stage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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