On Thursday, a week prior to the start of the 2024 Copa América, Canada Soccer announced that Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ali Ahmed and Columbus Crew striker Jacen Russell-Rowe have joined the team’s training camp. Ahmed and Russell-Rowe will be taking the place of European-based pair Charles-Andres Brym and Dominick Zator who have returned to their respective clubs but are still options for the official Copa América squad. That 26-player group will be announced on Saturday, June 15. Ahmed, 23, has a goal and an assist this season in 16 appearances and will bring technical quality and tactical flexibility to the group. The Toronto native has been deployed both as a left-sided fullback and midfielder for the Whitecaps, and can play both sides if needed. He has made four appearances for Canada, all of which came at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup. Meanwhile, Russell-Rowe is having an outstanding breakout season for the Columbus Crew. The 21-year-old striker has scored five goals in all competitions for the Crew this season, including a goal and an assist in the first leg against CF Monterrey in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal, and a goal in the second leg as well. He has five previous appearances for the senior national team. Canada open the tournament on Thursday, June 20 in Atlanta against defending FIFA World Cup winners Argentina. Their group also includes Peru, who they meet on Tuesday, June 25 and a matchup with Chile on Saturday, June 29.
Written by:Mitchell Tierney