Owen Goodman has always felt a strong connection to Canada, despite being born in England. In order to represent the Canadian men’s national soccer team, he had to establish his Canadian identity.
Last month, the 21-year-old goalkeeper, who spent eight years of his childhood in Alliston, Ont., received an email from his immigration lawyer in Toronto, prompting a Zoom call. Initially, Goodman thought it was a routine update in his lengthy citizenship pursuit.
After the call, Goodman was elated to learn that his childhood residency in Canada had officially granted him Canadian citizenship. This news came just in time for his debut with the national team, which includes a friendly match against Ecuador at BMO Field on Thursday.
Reflecting on the life-changing call, Goodman vividly recalled the overwhelming joy he felt. He shared the news with his English father, Nigerian mother, and Canadian team manager Jan Lang, who was thrilled by the development.
To complete his journey to citizenship, Goodman had to travel to Canada to take his Oath of Citizenship. Despite being on loan at Huddersfield Town, he rushed to Toronto after a League One match against Wycombe to complete the final step.
Goodman described the experience as winning a final after a long battle. His dedication to representing Canada led him to turn down an offer from Nigeria’s national team, emphasizing the fond memories and opportunities he had in Canada.
Looking ahead, the competition for the starting goalkeeper position for Canada at the upcoming World Cup has been a challenging decision for head coach Jesse Marsch. The battle between Dayne St. Clair and Maxime Crépeau has been intense, with both showcasing unique strengths.
While Goodman acknowledges the stiff competition for the starting spot, he remains grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Canadian team. Despite the likelihood of not starting in the upcoming World Cup, Goodman’s talent and potential could secure him a place on the roster, setting the stage for future tournaments.
Dreaming of playing at the highest level, Goodman remains determined to make his aspirations a reality, showcasing his unwavering commitment and resilience.
