



The Canadian Men’s U23 Opening Olympic team opened their 2015 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Thursday with a 3-1 loss to hosts the United States at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas.



The Canadian team was unable to overcome a defensive breakdown in the first minute of play that allowed U.S.A. striker Jordan Morris to score and give his side a very early advantage.



Despite going down early, Canada played their way back into the match for the remainder of the first half while delivering several instances of sustained possession and pressure.



The United States doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Morris scored his second goal of the game. So did anyone question the decision to not bring a proper LB? #canM23 — Vince Alvarado (@VinceByDemand) October 2, 2015 Canada pulled a goal back in the 81st minute when Michael Petrasso headed home a Chris Mannella corner kick.



The United States added an insurance goal to seal the match during second half injury time when Luis Gill scored on a penalty kick.



Man of the Match



Michael Petrasso



In addition to scoring Canada’s lone goal in the game, the Queens Park Rangers winger was an energetic, dangerous and fast presence down the flank for a Canadian squad that was missing a number of key players that were eligible for the tournament but held back by their club sides.



Post Match Reaction



Canada’s Men’s U-23 Team Head Coach Benito Floro on his impressions of the match:



“I think that the final result is not according to the play. According to the chances of goal, because of our mistakes in defense and offense, where we favoured the United States. But I think that our team played better than the score say. I think the result is negative but the play is normal, it’s positive.”



Canada’s Men’s U-23 Team Head Coach Benito Floro on what Canada takes on to the next match:



“I think that the performance played, not scoring goals, and not conceding goals is good, so we must think positively, and try to do better that we did this afternoon.“



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