If the update is accurate, it ends a long-running battle that never seemed to produce a runaway winner.
That feels significant not just tactically, but emotionally. Crépeau missed Canada’s last men’s World Cup through injury after suffering a cruel setback just before the tournament. If he now starts on this stage, it would complete a remarkable personal turnaround.
Marsch has often leaned toward clarity when major tournament decisions need to be made. Picking a No. 1 early can settle the back line, calm the dressing room and let the team focus on the bigger issues ahead.
Just as important, St. Clair’s other remark hints at why this has not become a damaging saga: “I think there’s a lot of respect between us and I think that’s why we manage the situation so well, with the respect we have for each other as people,” he said. For a tournament squad, that matters.
The other unresolved issue is up front. Reports say Canada has yet to decide who will replace the injured Marcelo Flores, with Jayden Nelson among the names mentioned after his goal in the win over Uzbekistan.
That makes the Ireland friendly feel doubly important: one last tune-up, and perhaps one last audition. After that, attention will swing quickly to Canada’s opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina - and whether Marsch’s calls bring early momentum.