McGraw earns first international call up; Canada will kick off tournament in Group D
PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Timbers defender Zac McGraw has been called up to the Canadian Men’s National Team for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, Canada Soccer announced today. McGraw will join Canada for the first time in his career after the Timbers’ midweek match against Chicago Fire FC on June 21.
In four seasons with the Timbers, McGraw has made 50 regular season appearances (30 starts) and has scored two goals. This season, McGraw has played the second-most minutes on the team (1,516) and leads the Timbers in blocks (19), interceptions (32) and aerial duels won (53). The 26-year-old defender was selected by Portland in the third round (68th overall) of the 2020 MLS Superdraft, becoming the first Army player drafted in MLS history.
Playing in Group D of the 2023 Gold Cup, Canada’s first match is set for June 27 at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario; kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. (Pacific) and the opponent for the match will be decided in the tournament’s preliminary stage. Canada will then square off against Guatemala on July 1 at 6:30 p.m. (Pacific), followed by its final group stage match against Cuba on July 4 at 3:30 p.m. (Pacific). Both matches will be played at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas.
