Canadian men's national team head coach Jesse Marsch named Maxime Crepeau as the starting goalkeeper for the upcoming World Cup.
Crepeau, who plays for MLS' Orlando City SC, is one of three 'keepers in the 26-man squad and was vying for the No. 1 role with Inter Miami's Dayne St. Clair.
"This is the hardest decision I've had to make in my coaching career," Marsch said during Thursday's press conference, according to OneSoccer. "Dayne and Max gave everything from the first day I came here."
Crystal Palace's Owen Goodman, who spent last season on loan at Barnsley, is also in the squad. Goodman has yet to make an appearance for Canada.
Crepeau and St. Clair split the duties in Monday's 2-0 tuneup victory over Uzbekistan. Crepeau played the first 45 minutes before the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year came on at the interval and played the second half.
The 32-year-old Quebec native will make his first World Cup appearance in the Group B opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto. Crepeau missed the 2022 World Cup after breaking his leg in the 2022 MLS Cup as a member of Los Angeles FC.
Crepeau boasts 31 international caps after making his Canada senior men's debut against the United States in February 2016. He played a vital role in helping Canada reach the semifinals of the 2024 Copa America tournament.
On Friday, Canada faces Ireland in Montreal in its final match before the World Cup.
Marsch didn't announce a replacement for Marcelo Flores, who ruptured the ACL in his right knee during the CONCACAF Champions Cup with Mexico's Tigres on Saturday.
Austin FC's Jayden Nelson, who, like Flores, can helm an attacking midfield role, wasn't named to Marsch's World Cup squad, but he came on at halftime against Uzbekistan and scored Canada's second goal. Marsch isn't required to make a final decision until June 11. Central defender Moise Bombito, who was forced off in the 30th minute of Monday's friendly with a left leg issue, won't be replaced, per Marsch.
