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USL Standouts on Target as Canada downs Guyana

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 05/16/16, 10:02AM EDT

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Toronto FC II’s Edwards takes Man of the Match honors in 5-1 win for Canada U23s


Photo courtesy Martin Bazyl / Toronto FC II

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Toronto FC II’s Raheem Edwards and Jordan Hamilton both found the back of the net, as did Orland City B’s Richie Laryea, as the Canada U23 National Team took a 5-1 win against Guyana’s full national team on Sunday evening at Providence Stadium. Edwards took Man of the Match honors with a goal and three assists, continuing his strong 2016 season.

Former USL standouts Caleb Clarke and Ben Fisk rounded out the scoring for Canada, whose squad will now head to face the Grenada National Team this Wednesday to complete their trip to the Caribbean.

“We were very pleased with the spirit of our group, especially given the environment,” Michael Findlay, Canada Soccer's U-23 Coach for this camp and regular Men's National Team Assistant Coach, told CanadaSoccer.com. “The first 15-20 minutes were a physical and emotional battle given that Guyana were celebrating their Jubilee 50th Anniversary.”

Canada weathered the early minutes, and then took the lead as Edwards continued to show the positive form that has made him TFC II’s leading scorer so far this season. The forward first set up former Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 forward Clarke for the opening goal in the 24th minute, and then teamed with Fisk to create a chance for Laryea five minutes later that made it 2-0.

Edwards added Canada’s third eight minutes into the second half as he feinted past his man after receiving a cross from Fisk and shot a left-footed finish into the back of the net.

Guyana pulled a goal back in the 68th minute, but former Charleston Battery loanee Fisk restored Canada’s three-goal lead four minutes later with a finish from an acute angle.

Hamilton added the finishing touch for Canada with four minutes to go as Edwards racked up his third assist of the game as his cross set up his TFC II teammate.