SAN JUAN, Costa Rica – A second-half goal by Jorge Alvarez gave Honduras a 1-0 victory against Canada in the opening game of the 2017 CONCACAF U20 Championship at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa on Friday night. Canada showed some nerves early, but once the side settled it started to get on top. Toronto FC II midfielder Luca Uccello’s free kick almost found Kris Twardek for a free header, and Dario Zanatta had a near-post effort from the right side of the penalty area saved inside the opening 15 minutes. Honduras threatened late in the half when Carlos Pineda hit the outside of the right post with a close-range header, but the game went to the break scoreless. Honduras almost took the lead in the 69th minute when a deft lob by Darixon Vuelto Pérez went just wide, while Foslyn Grant’s ambitious bicycle kick went just wide three minutes later. With 14 minutes to go, however, Honduras grabbed victory as Alvarez’s long-range shot found the left corner, and that proved the difference in the contest.

Scoring:
76’ – HON – Jorge Alvarez

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Canada had chances, but a defeat in its opening game will make a place in the second stage an uphill struggle. Canada had taken two positive results against Honduras in the build-up to the tournament, but in the unforgiving format of the tournament, a loss in the opening game means the side will now need to get results against both regional superpower Mexico on Monday night and Antigua & Barbuda in its final group game, and get some help, to have a chance at a World Cup berth.

• 2. Canada goalkeeper Thomas Hasal hasn’t made an appearance for Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 in the USL yet, but don’t rule it out happening this season. The Whitecaps Academy goalkeeper put in a solid performance, coming off his line well to pressure and making composed clearances regularly. Hasal couldn’t be faulted greatly on the Honduras goal, which left him grasping on a fine shot, and hopefully there will be bigger and better nights ahead of him.

• 3. Canada had the better of the game in the opening half, but struggled to follow up in the second as Honduras gained the upper hand in both possession and territory. The pressure eventually told, as did Honduras’ efforts to salt away the time after Alvarez’s goal had given it the upper hand, and it appears now the favorite to advance to the final stage alongside Mexico after a tight victory.

Upcoming Games:

• Canada – vs. Mexico, Monday, February 20, 8:30 p.m. ET

• Honduras – vs. Antigua & Barbuda, February 20, 6 p.m. ET