OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Forward Ayo Akinola replaced his U. S. -Canada partnership and could make his new country’s Concacaf Gold Cup debut.
The 21-year-old, who plays for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer, is a member of the U. S. national team at the 2017 U-17 World Cup and is a member of the starting roster for the 2019 U-20 World Cup before injuring his ankle.
He made his senior U. S. national debut in an exhibition in December opposite El Salvador.
Akinola scored two goals in league games this year for Toronto, his fourth season with the senior team.
“I’m really excited to make Canada internationally,” Ayo Akinola said in a statement Wednesday through the Canadian Soccer Association. “This is a very exciting time for the country with all the quality that is on the list. Canada has been my home for the most of my life and I am very happy to give back. »
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Canada will face Martinique on July 10 in the Gold Cup and play the United States on July 18, 3 first-round matches for the Canadiens in Kansas City, Kansas City.
In search of its first World Cup spot since 1986, Canada opens the latest World Cup qualifier circular in the North American, Central American and Caribbean region on Sept. 2 at home to Honduras, which is part of an organization that includes the United States. MexicoArray Costa Rica, Jamaica, Panama and El Salvador.
“We’ve been running for the last 18 months to bring Ayo’s house to play for Canada,” National Team coach John Herdman said. “I can’t wait to immerse him in the vicinity of the men’s national team. “