Maxime Crepeau returns home as Canada weighs No. 1 goalkeeper decision

Maxime Crepeau is welcoming the fight as Canada coach Jesse Marsch weighs his decision on the country's No. 1 goalkeeper.

He's also relishing the chance to make his mark where it all began.

The No. 26 Canadian men host No. 25 Australia in a friendly Friday at Montreal's Stade Saputo before facing Colombia on Tuesday in Harrison, N.J., to wrap up the October FIFA international window.

"It's special for me personally to come back here, where I was born and raised and formed by this club," the 31-year-old from nearby Candiac, Que., said at CF Montreal's training facility this week. "I was with the goalkeepers, I was like, 'Guys, this is all my youth, all I've known when I was growing up."'

A longtime national team player and former Montreal academy product, Crepeau spent years waiting in the wings while Milan Borjan filled Canada's starting role.

Now the Portland Timbers 'keeper is battling Dayne St. Clair for the top job with the 2026 World Cup eight months away.

Marsch didn't confirm Crepeau would start in front of his friends and family but said both he and St. Clair would each get a game.

Tajon Buchanan opens up on Villarreal, Canada’s rise & the Messi vs Ronaldo debate

Canada's head coach has also said he hopes to choose his No. 1 soon and give that `keeper a run of games before the World Cup, meaning this window could be Crepeau and St. Clair's last chance to stake their claim.

"We know exactly what's at stake, and it's all about performing at the end of the day," Crepeau said. "For both of us, it has been great challenging one another.

"It shows that in our team at the moment, we have a lot of qualities in several positions. And nothing in life is given, frankly. Something major awaits us next summer and the