It only took one win, to see the Canadians through to the quarterfinals of the U-17 CONCACAF Championship. And they got that victory easily, thrashing Barbados, 8-0, behind Toronto FC Academy striker Michael Petrasso’s hat-trick.
Petrasso’s TFC teammate Keven Aleman grabbed two goals, while Vancouver Whitecaps Academy midfielder Wesley Cain nabbed one. Sadi Jalali and Chris Nanco also struck once each.
The victory eliminated Barbados, who also fell to Honduras, 2-1, earlier in the week, and secured the Canadians’ berth in the quarters. The young Maple Leafs now sit atop Group D on goal differential, and are due to face Honduras on Saturday to determine the group winner.
The rout was total, as the Canadians outshot the Barbadians 28-3.
The 15-year-old Petrasso struck in the 12th minute to open the scoring. He then struck again in the 29th and the 56th. Aleman hit his brace on either side of the halftime, in the 33rd and 48th minutes. While Jalali fired home his goal the 14th and Nanco in the 23rd. Cain finished things up in the 73rd minute.
In the quarters, Canada will face the hosts Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, or Guatemala from Group C. First, though, there is Saturday's match against Honduras.
