Canada hopes strong play continues

Women look to get through qualifier and make FIFA U-20 World Cup

Canada coach Cindy Tye has stuck with the same group of players, which means she has a lot of weapons in her arsenal

After outscoring the opposition 40-1 in four games at a qualifying tournament in April, Canada opens play Wednesday against Jamaica at the CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship in the Dominican Republic.

The eight competing teams are fighting for CONCACAF’s three berths at next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Canada made it to the CONCACAF tournament last month by handily winning its qualifying group in the Dominican Republic. The Canadians defeated Martinique 15-0, St. Vincent and the Grenadines 12-0 and Cuba 4-0 before thumping previously unbeaten El Salvador 9-1.

The 32 teams at the qualifying event were split into six pools with the group winners joining the prequalified U.S. and Mexico at the final tournament.

“We were surprised by the format as well,” said Canada coach Cindy Tye, referencing the first qualifying event.

“After having gone through it, we did get to spend 2 1⁄2 weeks together. Although not the competition that would be ideal, the time together was very important for us in preparation of this coming qualifier.”

Tye has stuck with the same group of players, which means she has a lot of weapons in her arsenal.

Forwards Olivia Smith (two caps) and Amanda Allen (one) have already played for the Canadian senior side. Forward Annabelle Chukwu and defender Ella Ottey were called into camp last year but have yet to make their senior debut.

Allen signed with the Orlando Pride on April 3, becoming the Pride’s youngest-ever signing. She then became the NWSL team’s youngest rookie, making her first NWSL appearance May 6 against Racing Louisville at the age of 18 years, two months and 15 days.

Other forwards on the roster are Rosa Maalouf, Jaime Perrault and Nyah Rose.

“We’re really excited about this group,” said Tye. “Obviously there’s some offensive punch with Amanda Allen, Olivia Smith.”

Canada faces a condensed schedule, playing Jamaica on Wednesday, Panama on Friday and the defending champion U.S. on Sunday.

Group B is made up of Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and the host Dominican Republic.