CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS was in direct line of some savage criticism after the USA lost 2-1 to Canada in the CONCACAF third-place play-off in Los Angeles last night.
The Celtic defender became a target for the American media after Mauricio Pochettino’s side’s second defeat in four days after their 1-0 setback against Panama in the semi-final.
Carter-Vickers was an unused substitute in that match, but he was in at the start to face the Canadians – and his Hoops team-mate Alistair Johnston – as the hosts attempted to atone for their earlier shock reverse.
GROUNDED…Cameron Carter-Vickers (No.2) can only look on as Tani Oluwaseyi fires Canada ahead.
However, they were outplayed by the visitors who went ahead through Tani Oluwaseyi in the 27th minute with the Celtic centre-back grounded after failing to block an anticipated shot in the build-up.
Former Parkhead loanee Timothy Weah sparked a fightback for Pochettino’s men and set up Patrick Agyemang for the equaliser before the interval with Johnston, playing in an unusual left-back berth, too late with his sliding challenge.
Jonathan David put the Canadians back in front just before the hour after the home defence had been shredded in a swift attack.
It remained that way and Carter-Vickers cut a disconsolate figure at full-time.
The Celt, bought from Spurs for £6million in the summer of 2022 after an impressive loan season, was singled out by media outlet ProSoccerWire who observed: “It was another tough showing for Carter-Vickers, who has to take some of the blame on both Canada goals.
TOO LATE…Alistair Johnston fails to prevent Patrick Agyemang netting USA’s leveller.
“Though he wasn’t helped by his midfield, Carter-Vickers was too hesitant on Canada’s opener.
“The Celtic defender stepped out, but didn’t get close to the ball, leaving Oluwaseyi free behind him. He was more at fault on Canada’s second, as he didn’t sense the danger in David’s presence early enough and was late stepping over to block the shot.”
That appeared to be the trend of thinking among the home scribes while Pochettino, only in the post six months as the nation prepare to part-host the World Cup Finals in 2026, also copped some flak for his part in the back-to-back losses.
The result refuelled speculation he may return to Spurs in the summer with Ange Postecoglou’s job under threat at the London club.
CCV was also involved in a brief flare-up with Canada’s Gio Reyna, son of former Rangers player Claudio, following a flashpoint incident when the USA’s Jacob Shaffelburg was clattered in a clash on the touchline.
BLOW-UP…Cameron Carter-Vickers gets involved in heated exchange with Canada players.
Johnston was swiftly on the scene to act as peacemaker, with the full-back hauling his club-mate away from the heated exchange before play restarted.
Reflecting on his nation’s victory, the Vancouver-born defender said: “We rotated a couple of guys and got a performance like that against the Americans.
“This team is building depth and building a really strong squad. I think that we’re seeing that now. I know it’s only a third place game, but that means a lot to people back home and it means a lot to me.
“I’m really proud of the team and every single guy who went out there and stepped up.”
Johnston and Carter-Vickers will travel back to Scotland together and will prepare later in the week for the Premiership visit of Hearts on Saturday afternoon.
