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CBC
3 days ago
- General
- CBC
Canada qualifies for FIFA U20 Women's World Cup after beating Nicaragua
Canada booked its ticket to the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup by virtue of its 4-1 win over Nicaragua coupled with Mexico's 4-0 victory over Panama on Saturday at the CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship in Alajuela, Costa Rica. The eight-team CONCACAF tournament, which runs through June 8 at Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium, will send four CONCACAF sides to the 24-team FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled for September 2026 in Poland. Group A at the CONCACAF tournament features host Costa Rica, the U.S., Puerto Rico and Guyana. The top two from each group advance to the semifinals, securing World Cup qualification in the process. With six points at 2-0-0, Canada and Mexico cannot be caught by Panama or Nicaragua, both pointless at 0-2-0, with one game remaining. The young Canadians play defending champion Mexico on Monday to decide the Group B winner. Canada has taken part in nine of the previous 11 editions of the FIFA U-20 tournament, missing out in 2010 and 2018. The Canadians lost 2-1 to Spain in the round of 16 at last year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. Canada had to survive a first-half red card and penalty in dispatching Nicaragua (0-2-0). Outshot Nicaragua 30-7 Despite being a player down for 80-plus minutes, Canada outshot Nicaragua 30-7 (4-4 in shots on target), had 67.7 per cent possession and a 14-0 edge in corners. Teegan Melenhorst, Anabelle Chukwu and Liana Tarasco scored for Canada (2-0-0), which also profited from a Nicaragua own goal. Chukwu, who scored twice in Canada's opening 7-1 Group B win over Panama, added to her Canadian youth international scoring record, previously held by Christine Sinclair. Chukwu now has 37 goals in 39 games from the under-15 to under-20 level. The 18-year-old from Ottawa, who plays collegiate soccer at Notre Dame, has been called into camp by the Canadian senior side but has yet to win a cap. Captain Jenifer Sarantes scored for Nicaragua (0-2-0). Nicaragua was blanked 6-0 by defending champion Mexico in its opener. Canada's Nourani receives red card Canada was reduced to 10 women in the 10th minute when Trinidad and Tobago referee Crystal Sobers showed Ines Nourani, judged to be the last defender, a red card for bodying Daniela Manzaneres to the ground on a Nicaragua counterattack after an errant pass off a Canada short corner. Canada coach Cindy Tye sent on defender Victoria Rocci for midfielder Juliette Perreault after the red card. Canada went ahead in the 23rd minute on an own goal. Chukwu got her head on a Canadian corner with Adriana Munguia's attempted headed clearance going straight back and beating Nicaragua 'keeper Greta Genie, who plays for Belmont University in Nashville. Canadian goalkeeper Noelle Henning wiped out Manzaneres in the 32nd minute going for a high ball in the penalty box, prompting a lengthy discussion with the video assistant referee. Sobers went to the pitchside monitor, to check for a potential offside before the collision, and then pointed to the penalty spot. Sarantes beat a diving Henning, who was yellow-carded on the play, to tie it at 1-1 in the 37th minute. But two goals in first-half stoppage time restored Canada's lead. Melenhorst's left-footed shot from the edge of the box beat a diving Genie before Chukwu evaded two defenders and sent a low shot into the far corner of the goal. Tarasco made it 4-1 in the 85th minute, knocking the ball home after a pinball-like sequence in front of the goal off a Canadian corner. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Canada outshot Nicaragua 15-3 in the first half, although the Central Americans had a 3-2 edge in shots on target. Canada had 70 per cent possession and had eight corners to Nicaragua's none in the first 45 minutes. Canada, with a height advantage, threatened on almost every set piece but could not convert. Tye made five changes to her starting lineup. Nicaragua started 14-year-old attacker Maxie Teofilo, who plays her club soccer with the Seattle United. Canada booked its ticket to the CONCACAF tournament by winning its qualifying group with ease in February. The Canadians outscored their qualifying opposition 43-0, dispatching Dominica 22-0, Bermuda 9-0 and host Trinidad and Tobago 12-0. The U.S. and Mexico, as the top-ranked countries in CONCACAF, skipped the qualifying round and were given direct entry to the CONCACAF championship. Canada and 23 other teams had to win their way there, with Costa Rica, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Puerto Rico also topping their groups. Canada won the CONCACAF tournament in 2004 and 2008 and was runner-up to the U.S. in 2002, when the age group was under-19. The Americans are looking for their eighth title, having last won in 2020 and 2022.


Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Canada survives red card and penalty to defeat Nicaragua 4-1 at CONCACAF U-20 Championship
Canada survived a first-half red card and penalty to defeat Nicaragua 4-1 Saturday and remain unbeaten at the CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship. Despite being a player down for 80-plus minutes, Canada outshot Nicaragua 30-7 (4-4 in shots on target), had 67.7 per cent possession and a 14-0 edge in corners. Teegan Melenhorst, Anabelle Chukwu and Liana Tarasco scored for Canada (2-0-0), which also profited from a Nicaragua own goal. Chukwu, who scored twice in Canada's opening 7-1 Group B win over Panama, added to her Canadian youth international scoring record, previously held by Christine Sinclair. Chukwu now has 37 goals in 39 games from the under-15 to under-20 level. The 18-year-old from Ottawa, who plays collegiate soccer at Notre Dame, has been called into camp by the Canadian senior side but has yet to win a cap. Captain Jenifer Sarantes scored for Nicaragua (0-2-0). The eight-team CONCACAF tournament, which runs through June 8 at Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium, will send four CONCACAF sides to the 24-team FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled for September 2026, in Poland. Group A features host Costa Rica, the U.S., Puerto Rico and Guyana. The top two from each group advance to the semifinals, securing World Cup qualification in the process. Mexico played Panama later Saturday with a Mexican win or draw ensuring Canada reaches the semifinals and qualifies for the World Cup. Canada wraps up Group B play against defending champion Mexico on Monday. Nicaragua was blanked 6-0 by defending champion Mexico in its opener. Canada was reduced to 10 women in the 10th minute when Trinidad and Tobago referee Crystal Sobers showed Ines Nourani, judged to be the last defender, a red card for bodying Daniela Manzaneres to the ground on a Nicaragua counter-attack after an errant pass off a Canada short corner. Canada coach Cindy Tye sent on defender Victoria Rocci for midfielder Juliette Perreault after the red card. Canada went ahead in the 23rd minute on an own goal. Chukwu got her head to a Canadian corner with Adriana Munguia's attempted headed clearance going straight back and beating Nicaragua 'keeper Greta Genie, who plays for Belmont University in Nashville. Canadian goalkeeper Noelle Henning wiped out Manzaneres in the 32nd minute going for a high ball in the penalty box, prompting a lengthy discussion with the video assistant referee. Sobers went to the pitchside monitor, to check for a potential offside before the collision, and then pointed to the penalty spot. Sarantes beat a diving Henning, who was yellow-carded on the play, to tie it at 1-1 in the 37th minute. But two goals in first-half stoppage time restored Canada's lead. Melenhorst's left-footed shot from the edge of the box beat a diving Genie before Chukwu evaded two defenders and sent a low shot into the far corner of the goal. Tarasco made it 4-1 in the 85th minute, knocking the ball home after a pinball-like sequence in front of the goal off a Canadian corner. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Canada outshot Nicaragua 15-3 in the first half, although the Central Americans had a 3-2 edge in shots on target. Canada had 70 per cent possession and had eight corners to Nicaragua's none in the first 45 minutes. Canada, with a height advantage, threatened on almost every set piece but could not convert. Tye made five changes to her starting lineup. Nicaragua started 14-year-old attacker Maxie Teofilo, who plays her club soccer in the U.S. for Seattle United. Canada booked its ticket to the CONCACAF tournament by winning its qualifying group with ease in February. The Canadians outscored their qualifying opposition 43-0, dispatching Dominica 22-0, Bermuda 9-0 and host Trinidad and Tobago 12-0. The U.S. and Mexico, as the top-ranked countries in CONCACAF, skipped the qualifying round and were given direct entry to the CONCACAF championship. Canada and 23 other teams had to win their way there, with Costa Rica, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Puerto Rico also topping their groups. Canada won the CONCACAF tournament in 2004 and 2008 and was runner-up to the U.S. in 2002, when the age group was under-19. The Americans are looking for their eighth title, having last won in 2020 and 2022. Canada has taken part in nine of the previous 11 editions of the FIFA U-20 tournament, missing out in 2010 and 2018. The Canadians lost 2-1 to Spain in the round of 16 at last year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.


National Post
5 days ago
- General
- National Post
Canada dispatches Panama in opening game of CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship
Article content ALAJUELA — Anabelle Chukwu scored twice as Canada opened play at the CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship on Thursday with a comfortable 7-1 win over Panama. Article content Article content The 18-year-old from Ottawa added to her Canadian youth international scoring record, previously held by Christine Sinclair. Chukwu now has 36 goals in 38 games from the under-15 to under-20 level. Article content Jadea Collin, Jeneva Hernandez Gray, Lea Larouche, Stephanie Schoeley and Liana Tarasco also scored for Canada, which led 5-1 at the half. Article content Chukwu and Hernandez Gray were substituted at halftime with the game well in hand. Article content Canada continues Group B play on Saturday against Nicaragua before facing defending champion Mexico on Monday. Article content The eight-team CONCACAF tournament, which runs through June 8 at Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium in Alajuela, will send four CONCACAF sides to the 24-team FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled for September 2026, in Poland. Article content Group A features host Costa Rica, the United States, Puerto Rico and Guyana, The top two from each group will advance to the semifinals, securing World Cup qualification in the process. Article content Hernandez Gray, who plays in Portugal for Sporting CP, has one senior cap for Canada. Chukwu, who plays collegiate soccer at Notre Dame, has been called into camp by the Canadian senior side but has yet to win a cap. Article content Sherline King scored for Panama, taking advantage of a Canadian turnover to cut the deficit to 3-1 in the 24th minute. Article content Canada outshot Panama 17-1 (10-1 in shots on target) in the first half and had five corners to none for Panama with 68 percent possession. The final shot count was 30-2 (12-2 in shots on target). Article content Article content Hernandez Gray's goal, which put Canada up 2-0 in the 18th minute, was a beauty. She shifted the ball to her right to evade a defender and then, from the edge of the penalty box, fired a low shot into the corner. Article content Schoeley and Tarasco added late goals in the 85th and 93rd minute. Article content Panama had to replace injured goalkeeper Nicollete Mas just seven minutes into the game with Elsa Grant taking over. Article content The U.S. and Mexico, as the top-ranked countries in CONCACAF, skipped the qualifying round and were given direct entry to the CONCACAF championship. Canada and 23 other teams had to win their way there, with Costa Rica, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Puerto Rico also topping their groups. Article content Canada booked its ticket to the main CONCACAF tournament by winning its qualifying group with ease in February. The Canadians outscored their qualifying opposition 43-0, dispatching Dominica 22-0, Bermuda 9-0 and host Trinidad and Tobago 12-0. Article content The Dominica win was the second-largest in CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Qualifiers history, behind the Dominican Republic's 25-0 romp over the British Virgin Islands in September 2005. Article content Canada coach Cindy Tye has retained 18 players from that qualifying squad. Article content Panama went 2-0-1 in winning its qualifying group, outscoring the opposition 16-1. Article content Canada won the CONCACAF tournament in 2004 and 2008 and was runner-up to the U.S. in 2002, when the age group was under-19. The Americans are looking for their eighth title, having last won in 2020 and 2022. Article content


Toronto Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Canada dispatches Panama in opening game of CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship
Published May 29, 2025 • 2 minute read Canada poses before its 7-1 win over Panama at the CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Canada Soccer *MANDATORY CREDIT* The Canadian Press Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. ALAJUELA — Anabelle Chukwu scored twice as Canada opened play at the CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship on Thursday with a comfortable 7-1 win over Panama. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The 18-year-old from Ottawa added to her Canadian youth international scoring record, previously held by Christine Sinclair. Chukwu now has 36 goals in 38 games from the under-15 to under-20 level. Jadea Collin, Jeneva Hernandez Gray, Lea Larouche, Stephanie Schoeley and Liana Tarasco also scored for Canada, which led 5-1 at the half. Chukwu and Hernandez Gray were substituted at halftime with the game well in hand. Canada continues Group B play on Saturday against Nicaragua before facing defending champion Mexico on Monday. The eight-team CONCACAF tournament, which runs through June 8 at Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium in Alajuela, will send four CONCACAF sides to the 24-team FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled for September 2026, in Poland. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Group A features host Costa Rica, the United States, Puerto Rico and Guyana, The top two from each group will advance to the semifinals, securing World Cup qualification in the process. Hernandez Gray, who plays in Portugal for Sporting CP, has one senior cap for Canada. Chukwu, who plays collegiate soccer at Notre Dame, has been called into camp by the Canadian senior side but has yet to win a cap. Sherline King scored for Panama, taking advantage of a Canadian turnover to cut the deficit to 3-1 in the 24th minute. Canada outshot Panama 17-1 (10-1 in shots on target) in the first half and had five corners to none for Panama with 68 percent possession. The final shot count was 30-2 (12-2 in shots on target). Hernandez Gray's goal, which put Canada up 2-0 in the 18th minute, was a beauty. She shifted the ball to her right to evade a defender and then, from the edge of the penalty box, fired a low shot into the corner. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Schoeley and Tarasco added late goals in the 85th and 93rd minute. Panama had to replace injured goalkeeper Nicollete Mas just seven minutes into the game with Elsa Grant taking over. The U.S. and Mexico, as the top-ranked countries in CONCACAF, skipped the qualifying round and were given direct entry to the CONCACAF championship. Canada and 23 other teams had to win their way there, with Costa Rica, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Puerto Rico also topping their groups. Canada booked its ticket to the main CONCACAF tournament by winning its qualifying group with ease in February. The Canadians outscored their qualifying opposition 43-0, dispatching Dominica 22-0, Bermuda 9-0 and host Trinidad and Tobago 12-0. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Dominica win was the second-largest in CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Qualifiers history, behind the Dominican Republic's 25-0 romp over the British Virgin Islands in September 2005. Canada coach Cindy Tye has retained 18 players from that qualifying squad. Panama went 2-0-1 in winning its qualifying group, outscoring the opposition 16-1. Canada won the CONCACAF tournament in 2004 and 2008 and was runner-up to the U.S. in 2002, when the age group was under-19. The Americans are looking for their eighth title, having last won in 2020 and 2022. Canada has taken part in nine of the previous 11 editions of the FIFA U-20 tournament, missing out in 2010 and 2018. The Canadians lost 2-1 to Spain in the round of 16 at last year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. World Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto & GTA Weird Toronto Maple Leafs