Canada Soccer – Canada are in third place in Group A after an opening day 0:1 loss to Honduras at the 2017 CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Championship. Canada will need to rebound in three days when they face Mexico in their second of three matches in Costa Rica.

MATCH REPORT: CANADA 0:1 HONDURAS

“We have to take heart from the way we played with the ball, especially in the first half, but we have to adjust now and rally the troops for the second match,” said Rob Gale, Canada Soccer’s Men’s National U-20 Coach. “It’s a challenge, but we know it’s a three-match series so we have to respond on Monday and Thursday.”
 
From 12 nations, only four will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017. Mexico (3 points / +3 goals difference) and Honduras (3, +1) are the leaders in Group A followed by Canada (0, -1) and then Antigua and Barbuda (0, -3).
 
In the opening match, Canada had the better chances in the first half before Honduras scored in the 77th minute. Canada returned with pressure, but the referee ultimately blew the whistle before Canada could score an equaliser. 
 
In the coming week, Canada will face Mexico on Monday 20 February and then Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday 23 February. Canada will need to finish first or second in the group to advance to the second stage and play for a chance to qualify for Korea Republic 2017.
 
All of Canada’s competition matches are scheduled to be broadcast live on CONCACAF’s Facebook channel, with the 20 February Canada-Mexico match kicking off at 20.30 ET / 17.30 PT. Canada Soccer will provide in-match coverage from Estadio Nacional via Canada Soccer’s digital channels including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Flickr. 

Canada Soccer’s Men’s EXCEL Program channels our nation’s exceptional players into the best soccer environments. The Canada Soccer Pathway works in collaboration with our provincial and territorial partners as well as the professional clubs and academies. For Canada’s elite players, the program emphasizes player development on the pathway to representing Canada’s Men’s National Team in international soccer.