Tesho Akindele’s 2015 is picking up where 2014 left off, as the FC Dallas youngster continues to impress after his Rookie of the Year campaign last year.
Akindele, 23, was a first round pick out of the Colorado School of Mines, where he set the school record for goals with 76. He was also born in Calgary, Alberta, and was raised in Thornton, Colorado, giving him the opportunity to represent either the United States or Canada at the international level.
[ MORE: Mexico coach predicts US/El Tri final ]
Canada coach Benito Floro recently said that he’s “99.9 percent sure” Akindele is going to choose his side.
But the youngster, who has 2 goals and 1 assist in six FCD matches this year, said that he hasn’t decided. He participated in January camp for the U.S., and said he’ll decide in time for the Gold Cup.
From MLSSoccer.com:“I’ve been in contact with [Canada] lately, so that’s about it,” said Akindele, who has two goals and one assist in six appearances this year. “There’s a lot of big stuff coming up for everybody with the Gold Cup, so I think by then it will be finalized.”
Akindele has spoken with the US staff since the January camp, where he felt he fit in well on the field.
“I talked with them a couple of months ago,” he explained. “I told them I just wasn’t sure, that I would talk with them later.”
The use of the Gold Cup as a timeline would seem to tip the scales for Canada. Jurgen Klinsmann is likely to pick a strong squad for this summer’s tournament, and Akindele has a far better chance of making Canada’s roster than the States.
Canada’s corps of strikers includes Caleb Clarke (Vancouver), Cyle Larin (Orlando City), Tosaint Ricketts (Hapoel Haifa) and Marcus Haber (Crewe Alexandra).
