Canada’s U-17 national team fell 2-1 Wednesday to host Mexico in the first of two friendlies to be played between the teams this week.
A pair of goals by Marco Antonio Bueno -- one in each half -- were enough for the Mexicans to prevail, although the young Canuck side kept things interesting thanks to a second-half strike by Sadi Jalali.
Bueno opened the scoring in the 17th minute, giving Mexico a lead that they’d hold on to for the rest of the opening half. In fact, it wasn’t until the 72nd minute of play that Jalali put the Canadians on the scoresheet to bring the teams on level terms.
Jalali had entered the match just 12 minutes prior, and looked to be the difference-maker for the Canadians. The even scoreline would last only 10 minutes, however, as Bueno struck for his second goal of the match in the 82nd minute.
Both teams are preparing for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup, which kicks off in June. Canada qualified for the tournament for the first time in 16 years at the CONCACAF championships in February, while Mexico was assured of a spot by virtue of being the host nation.
The teams will meet again Sunday at Morelia’s Estadio Morelos.
