A dream of booking a spot in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup is becoming a nightmare for Canada after a 2-1 loss to Saint Kitts and Nevis in a Group D match at the 2018 Concacaf U-20 Championship in Bradenton, Florida on Thursday.
It was the second consecutive loss for Les Rouges, who dropped a 2-1 decision to group-leading Panama on Tuesday. Canada are second in Group D with six points, three behind Panama ahead of its match against Dominica on Thursday. Los Canaleros can clinch the group and move on to the next group stage with a win.
Only the group winners from the six groups advance to the next round.
Saint Kitts and Nevis, which has already been eliminated from advancement, raced out to a 2-0 lead on goals by Romario Martin and Tyreese Shade 15 minutes apart in the first half.
Toronto FC II forward Jordan Perruzza, who came on for the start of the second half, gave Canada a late lifeline with a goal in the 72nd minute from a free kick at the top of the 18-yard box and he followed soon after by heading the potential equalizer off the post after latching onto a cross from TFC II defender Terique Mohammed.
Next up for Canada, who are in a three-way tie for second, is their Group D finale against Martinique on Saturday.
Canada lineup
Thomas Hasal (GK); Émile Legault (Clément Bayiha 83’), Antonio Romero, Yohan Le Bourhis, Terique Mohammed; Noah Verhoeven, Noble Okello Ayo, Benson Fazili; José Hernandez (Mathieu Choinere 46’), Theo Bair, Adonijah Reid (Jordan Perruzza 46’)
