FRISCO, Texas – Tesho Akindele is nearing a decision about his international allegiance.
The Canadian-American dual national has been courted by both countries since taking home the 2014 Rookie of the Year trophy, accepting – then backing out of – a call-up for Canada’s friendly against Panama in November before participating in the USMNT’s annual January camp this winter.
Canada head coach Benito Floro told reporters earlier this week that the 23-year-old Calgary, Alberta, native is “99.9 percent” committed to his birth country. With this summer’s Gold Cup fast approaching, Akindele clarified that he has not made a decision yet, but that he is getting closer to an announcement.
“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.”
Though Floro’s comments and the stiff competition for places on the US team seem to have all signs pointing toward Akindele representing Canada, the Colorado School of Mines product is not quite willing to declare just yet. Consistent with his previous comments on the subject, Akindele said he will not rush such an important and, once made, final decision.
“I’ve talked to people that I value their opinion, people in my family, people who have coached me in the past, also people on this team that have been international players and got their opinion on what they think would be best for me,” he said.
Preliminary, 35-player Gold Cup rosters are due by June 7, with the final 23-player rosters due by June 27. The US open play on July 7 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, Akindele's home venue for MLS games. Canada begin July 8 at StubHub Center in Carson, California.
