Canada secure spot at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
Canadians defeat Haiti 2-1 to finish third at CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship
Substitute Andersen Williams scores late winner for North Americans
Canada have joined North American rivals Mexico and USA in securing their berth at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Uruguay 2018 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Haiti in Tuesday’s third-place match at the CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship.
In what was a competitive contest at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, both sides played out a goalless first half before Canada took the lead through captain Jordyn Huitema on 48 minutes.
Haiti pulled level through a Melchie Dumonay penalty with a quarter of an hour remaining. This came after the Haitian captain was pulled down in the opposition’s box by Canadian goalkeeper Anna Karpenko.
With the game nearing full-time, Canada made the most of a late corner to score the match winner. Huitema headed Julianne Vallerand’s far-post set-piece back in front of goal, where substitute Andersen Williams was on hand to head home on 89 minutes.
This will be Canada’s sixth-straight qualification to a U-17 Women’s World Cup, with the North Americans having appeared in every edition of the world finals at this age level since the competition’s inception in 2008.
In Tuesday's final, USA claimed their fourth CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship title, with a 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Mexico.