Canada wins opening match of Pan Am Youth Championship

February 7, 2010

The Canadian men’s national under-17 team defeated Mexico 1-0 Sunday afternoon in the opening match of the first ever Men’s Pan American Youth Championship.

The first half was a tough fought match with Mexico absorbing Canada’s
attacks and then mounting counter attacks. Canada’s defensive was
solid, allowing Canada’s goalie to go untested during the first half.

Canada increased the defensive pressure on Mexico in the second half,
this increased the number of turnovers and enabled Canada to apply
sustained pressure inside the Mexican 25.  Mexico was able to absorb the
Canadian pressure and mount a few odd man counter attacks.  Canada’s
goalie, Alex Smith made several world class saves keeping Mexico off
the scoreboard and Canada in the game.

In the 66 minute, Justin Dhaliwal drove the ball into the Mexican net during a scramble.

The Canadians’ next match takes place Monday afternoon against Chile.  The gold medal game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 13th between the top two teams following the conclusion of pool play.

The tournament serves as the continental qualifier for the Youth Olympics taking place this August in Singapore.

Joining Canada in the tournament are the United States, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico.

Canada Starting Line-up:

Alex Smith (Gk), CJ Roydhouse, Spencer Curran (C), Gabriel Ho-Garcia, Gurteg Gill, Brenden Bissett, Justin Dhaliwal, Alex Wharton, Paul Wharton, Tony Sidhu, Gordon Johnston

First Half:

PC – Mexico – 0, Canada – 3
Cards – Mexico – 1 green, Canada – 1 green
Goals – Mexico – 0, Canada – 0

Second Half:

PC – Mexico – 1, Canada – 5
Cards – Mexico – 0, Canada – 0
Goals – Mexico – 0, Canada – 1