Naming his goalkeeper for the Honduras World Cup Qualifier Saturday in Montreal has become a nightmare. Don't expect his decision anytime soon. He has called in three of them. But Pat Onstad, Greg Sutton and Lars Hirschfeld each come with some serious baggage.
Let's examine the possibilities. The 40-year-old Onstad has been a mainstay with the national program for a generation. But let's be honest. He has cost Canada in each of the last three World Cup cycles including this one. By throwing a corner kick into the net to give Jamaica the devastating equalizer last month in Toronto, Onstad was directly responsible for Canada coming away with a measly point instead of the necessary three.
It pains me to say this, as you'll never find a more dedicated professional than Onstad. He always answers the call. Remember last summer's Gold Cup when he jumped through hoops to get there in time for a concussed Greg Sutton? And yet his confidence must be zero right now.
That brings us to the giant TFC keeper. After 93 minutes against Chivas USA Saturday night, it looked as though Mitchell had his man. But then a last-second blunder not only cost the Reds in a disastrous 2-1 loss, it may have cost Sutton his chance against Honduras.
But Sutton has other problems anyway. His wife is about to give birth. In fact her due date is Sept. 5 -- the day before the match against Honduras. Given the circumstances it's hard to see Sutton making the lengthy trip deep into Mexico (another two hour flight beyond Mexico City, by the way) for the next match the following week, baby or no baby. So where is Sutton's head right now?
And speaking of heads, there are those who have always wondered about what's inside the noggin of the eccentric Lars Hirschfeld. He changes clubs far too often, and his responses to national team call-ups are sometimes mystifying. Right now he's not even playing first-team football for his club in Romania.
So what does Dale Mitchell do?
It's a nightmare. But it says here that Hirschfeld is the best shot stopper of the three. I cannot remember him costing Canada a game. In the short term, he's likely the best answer.
It's a difficult choice. If three points against Jamaica were critical, three points against Honduras are an absolute must. Anything less and it won't matter who the goalkeeper is the rest of the way.
