It was a great day for women’s soccer in Canada.
Just a few hours before Canada won their second straight Olympic bronze medal, defeating hosts Brazil 2-1, the Canadian U-15s booked their place in the 2016 CONCACAF Under-15 Girls’ Championship final with a 3-1 win over Mexico in the semifinals.
Chilliwack’s Jordyn Huitema, a member of the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX program, led the way for Canada with a pair of goals – bringing her tournament tally to eight after scoring four goals in the quarter-final. Jayde Riviere also found the back of the net for the second straight match.
Canada will now face the U.S. in the tournament final on Sunday.
- READ: Huitema determined to succeed with Canada
- READ: Learn more about the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX program
Canada are defending champions in this age group from two years ago. Since 2004, Canada have won four CONCACAF women's youth championships: twice at the U-20 level (2004, 2008), once at the U-17 level (2010), and once at the U-15 level (2014).
Canada's roster features players born 2001 or 2002 as part of Canada Soccer's Women's EXCEL Program. Beyond this year's U-15 competition, these players will be eligible for CONCACAF and FIFA U-17 competitions in 2018 as well CONCACAF and FIFA U-20 competitions through 2020. The younger players born in 2002 will be eligible for CONCACAF and FIFA U-20 competitions through 2022.
Canada Soccer Women’s National EXCEL Program, presented by Bell, brings together the best with the best at the national youth level. Operating across the U-14 to U-17 and U-18 to U-23 age groups, the program is designed to deliver an aligned talent structure and system that progresses more top players to Canada’s Women’s National Team.
