June 25, 2011 CSL--Canada Ousted at U-17 World Cup (from TorontoFC.ca)

Canada Ousted At U-17 World Cup
Scoreless draw with Rwanda eliminates promising side in Mexico.
TorontoFC.ca
June 25, 2011

After two fiery matches against world class sides, Canada couldn’t find a spark against upstart Rwanda in its final U-17 World Cup group match 
in Mexico, finishing in a scoreless draw Saturday. 

The outcome gave Canada two draws and a loss in the tournament. The two points earned are not good enough to move on to the Round of 16. 

A total of five Toronto FC Academy players featured in the match. Goalkeeper Quillan Roberts was joined by right fullback Parker Seymour and forward 
Michael Petrasso from the start.  Jay Chapman came into the game at the 70th minute and Segio Camargo was introduced at the 82nd. 

The two countries – either could have advanced with a win – played a flat and uneventful first half. When the action resumed, Canada’s Sadi Jalali had 
an early chance at the restart, but goalkeeper Marcel Nzarora cut down the angle and made the save for Rwanda.

Former TFC Academy player Keven Aleman was put through on goal by Canada captain Bryce Alderson at the 56th minute. Nzarora made a kick save on Aleman’s 
shot from the top of his six yard box. 

Jalali returned to threaten the emerging African side. The Edmonton-based attacker got behind two defenders nine minutes after Aleman’s chance. 
With Nzarora charging out of goal, Jalali scuffed the shot and watched the ball harmlessly pass to touch. 

Rwanda was well organized defensively and forced an increasingly desperate Canada to often have a look from distance. At the 76th minute Chapman took 
a ball from Alderson and had a go from 25-yards that rolled wide of goal. 

Quillan Roberts (#18) celebrates his England equalizer for Canada. Rwanda nearly stole the three points two minutes after Chapman’s effort, but Canada’s 
Roberts, hero of the 2-2 England draw on Wednesday, got his fingertips on to a bouncer from Robert Ndatimana.

As Canada heads home with a pair of draws, head coach Sean Fleming praised his players. 

“It’s disappointing, the result,” said Fleming. “We really felt confident coming in … but I’m proud of the players for the effort they put in.” 

Canada lost its opening match against South American giants Uruguay 3-0, but returned to draw England before Saturday’s must-win match versus Rwanda. 
Had Canada delivered the result, they might have advanced to the Round of 16 at the expense of world football darlings Argentina. The Albiceleste had 
accumulated three points in Group B, Canada would have had four with a victory. 

England finished atop Canada's Group C with seven points, they will advance alongside Uruguay. 

Fleming stresses that Canada has to make a habit of playing against global football powers and this tournament sets a minimum standard for a talented 
crop of young Canadians coming through the national and club systems.  

“Our players have to get used to (this level of competition) … people really recognize the effort the boys put in.”

“This is the springboard.”

back to CSL 2011 menu

.

.