Set pieces could provide the offensive spark Canadian men’s soccer team needs

Colombia's Richard Ríos, left, and Canada's Ali Ahmed battle for the ball during the first half of a friendly match in Harrison, N.J., last month.

In the seemingly endless quest for that extra one per cent that can make or break a team’s chances of success, set pieces are very much in vogue once again across the soccer world, and the Canadian men’s national team is no exception.

No longer merely an opportunity to ‘get it in the mixer,’ as English soccer parlance used to describe launching the ball into the penalty area in the hopes of the most direct route to goal, well-worked free kick, corner and throw-in routines are now a crucial part of a team’s offensive arsenal.

Look no further than Arsenal – the top team in the English Premier League – which has been accused by its rivals of rui