VANCOUVER, BC – Canada Soccer confirmed on Thursday that Vancouver Whitecaps FC wingbacks Sam Adekugbe and Richie Laryea, as well as forward Junior Hoilett, have been called up to Canada’s men’s national team for an upcoming FIFA international friendly against Japan.
The friendly, officially named the Mizuho Blue Dream Match 2023, will be contested at the Denka Big Swan Stadium in Niigata, Japan on Friday, October 13. Kickoff is set for 3:35 a.m. PT.
The trio will join up with Canada following the ‘Caps away match on Saturday, October 7 against Cascadia rivals Seattle Sounders FC.
Adekugbe has scored one goal and added five assists in 41 appearances for Canada at the senior level, with three of those appearances coming at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar.
Laryea, who is fresh off of scoring his first Whitecaps FC goal on Wednesday, has tallied one goal and six assists in 45 appearances for Canada, making three of those appearances at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar. Most recently, Laryea started all four of Canada’s matches at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Hoilett has made 59 appearances for Canada, recording 15 goals and 16 assists. Three of the experienced forward’s appearances with the national team came at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Qatar. Most recently, Hoilett captained Canada at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, tallying one goal as well as two assists and starting all four of Canada’s matches.
Visit Canada Soccer for more details, including the full Canada MNT roster.
