PANAMA CITY, Panama - Following a brief camp in Sunrise, Florida, the Canadian under-17 national team travelled to Panama on Wednesday for a pair of friendlies against the host on November 23 and 25.
Prior to departing North America, Canada dropped a 2-1 decision to the United States on Sunday at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Marco-Leonel Dominguez gave the Maple Leafs a 6th lead, but the Americans rallied for the victory with second-half goals by Alan Winn and Sebastian Elney.
"I was really happy with the character the kids showed," said Canada U-17 head coach Sean Fleming. "We had some good moments in the game. We gave up some needless goals again which is a concern to me which we will be addressing in the training.
"Overall, it's been good."
Canada goes to Panama understanding the trip will be valuable from multiple perspectives.
The additional time together will unquestionably help in the development process. Equally as important, however, the team can familiarize itself with Panama, which will host the 2013 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship next April.
"I think it is now very important that we get to go into Panama," added Fleming. "For the kids to experience Panama, to play a quality side (in Panama), and to know they have been to Panama before the CONCACAF championship will help them."
The commitment for Canada demonstrated by the players during training has impressed Fleming. That sentiment was accentuated by goalkeeper Marco Carducci.
"This is the greatest honor that you can ask for at the youth level," said the MSB United netminder. "It is a huge honor and huge privilege every time you step on the field, every time you wear the badge on your chest wherever you are."
Fleming guided Canada to a second-place finish at the 2011 CONCACAF Under-17 Championship in Jamaica, where it lost 3-0 to the U.S. in the championship match. Prior to that defeat, the Canadians posted shutouts in its four previous games.
The team's success in the Caribbean led to a berth at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico. A 2-2 draw against England in its second group game gave Canada its first-ever point in the tournament.
