Latest news with #CONCACAFWomen'sUnder-20Championship
Winnipeg Free Press
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Teenage forward Annabelle Chukwu already turning heads with Canada and Notre Dame
Just 18, Annabelle Chukwu is already turning heads The young forward has a Canadian record 39 goals in 42 international youth-level appearances, surpassing the previous Canadian youth record of 27 goals (set by former Canada captain Christine Sinclair) in September at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. Sinclair scored her 27 goals in 19 youth international matches from the U-19 to U-21 levels from 2001 to 2002. On Friday, Chukwu made her senior debut off the bench in the 64th minute of Canada's 4-1 win over Costa Rica at Toronto's BMO Field and quickly made her presence felt. In the 74th minute, she rose above a Costa Rican defender at the far post to head a Jade Rose cross into the path of Vancouver Rise forward Holly Ward, who roofed a right-footed shot for a 2-1 lead. Canada coach Casey Stoney calls Chukwu 'incredibly technically gifted' and a striker who is 'unplayable at times.' 'Talent like that is quite rare,' she added. The current call-up is her third from the senior side. 'Every single time, I never know what to expect but I'm just grateful for the opportunity and grateful to learn, develop and grow. Be surrounded by players that I look up to,' said the soft-spoken Chukwu. Stoney likes what she sees. 'Annabelle's been great. She's a very exciting young player,' said the former England captain. 'She's definitely like a rare talent and I think has just got a real special quality. If you're a fan, you'd pay to come and watch her play.' Canada defender Jade Rose, a Harvard grad who just signed with England's Manchester City, says Chukwu is a handful. 'She is an incredibly skilful player,' said Rose. 'She is one of those players that surprisingly speeds up when they have the ball at their feet. She can hit some crazy stepovers. 'She is honestly an up-and-coming talent and I'm so grateful to have her in this environment. Not only to challenge me but I'm happy that she's on our team and not anyone else's.' Chukwu, whose twin sister Isabelle has also represented Canada at the under-15 and under-17 level, has been a force at youth level. On June 6, she led Canada to the CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship in Costa Rica, scoring the winning goal in the 122nd minute in a 3-2 win over Mexico after extra time. Chukwu beat two defenders at the byline and then, from an almost impossible angle, roofed the winner as the clock counted down in stoppage time. It was the fifth goal of the tournament for Chukwu, who plays collegiate soccer at Notre Dame. Chukwu, who turned 18 in February, is quick to deflect praise on the U-20 triumph. 'Credit to the team. I think we stuck together throughout the whole tournament. We learned, we grew from Game 1 to the end. It was a team effort,' she said.' Chukwu was named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference third team and ACC All-Freshman team in 2024 with Notre Dame despite missing six games due to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. She scored three goals and added two assists in 16 appearances for the Irish, including 12 starts. 'I love the school. I love the coaches, the team, the playing style,' she said. 'I think I've really been able to grow as a player and develop my game there. I'm excited for Year 2 Born in England, Chukwu was nine when her family moved to Ottawa for work. Both parents are of Nigerian origin, although her mother was born in England. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. As such, she also has British and Nigerian citizenship. She talked briefly with English soccer officials but says playing for Canada 'just felt right,' given that's where she started playing the game at age 10. Eight years on, she is trying to stay in the moment when it comes to soccer. 'I'm really not someone who looks too far ahead, but I'd love to play professionally. I'll see where the game takes me … I'm pretty happy being at school, but I'm not sure what the future holds. I'm open.' —- This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2025
Winnipeg Free Press
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
AFC Toronto adds to roster with defender Zoe Burns and forward Lauren Rowe
TORONTO – AFC Toronto has signed Canadian international defender Zoe Burns and Canadian youth international forward Lauren Rowe. Burns, 23, arrives from France's FC Fleury 91 while Rowe joins from North Toronto Women after a stellar career at Cape Breton University. A native of Issaquah, Wash., Burns is a dual citizen and represented the U.S. at the under-16 and under-17 levels before joining the Canadian under-20 program in 2022. She went on that year to play for Canada at the CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship in the Dominican Republic, where she was named to the tournament's Best XI, and at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica. In 2022, she earned her first senior call-up and went on to win caps against Nigeria and Morocco. 'Adding a right-sided wingback was always going to be a priority for us this summer, so we are delighted to welcome a multi-faceted talent like Zoe to Toronto,' AFC sporting director Billy Wilson said in a statement. 'Zoe is another player with senior national team appearances, and she is eager to play her way back into national team contention,' he added. Burns played collegiate soccer at USC where she was named to the All-Pac-12 second team and All-Pacific Region first-team recognition. Selected by the Utah Royals in the second round (29th overall) of the 2024 NWSL draft, she went on to make 21 appearances before being released at the end of the 2023 season. 'I've played in the NWSL, I've played in Europe, and joining a new league like this is definitely a different kind of risk. But for me, it was important to be somewhere that's truly investing in women's sports, and in doing things the right way,' Burns said in a statement. 'What stood out about Canada is that the support has always been there. I've seen it firsthand with the national team. Canadians care, they show up, and they want to see us succeed. That kind of energy matters. The NSL might be a new league, but it's not a new fan base. The foundation is strong, the investment is real, and the level of professionalism being built around it made this a risk worth taking.' Burns officially joins the team Tuesday and will be available for selection when the NSL transfer window opens July 20. Her first eligible match will be July 24 in Vancouver. Rowe, 20, arrives from North Toronto Soccer where she scored seven goals and added 12 assists in 10 games. A native of Conception Bay South, N.L., Rowe scored the winning goal in both the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) semifinal and final, earning MVP honours in the championship match. Rowe was also named AUS Player of the Year. 'Lauren came to our attention through her performances in League1 Ontario with North Toronto,' said Wilson. 'She's been training with us for the past month and has been great in our environment. She is a very direct player who possesses electric pace and enjoys taking on players head-to-head. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 'As a player from Newfoundland, her journey to this point has been a lot more challenging than others. She's forged a unique path for herself by fighting for every opportunity that's come her way. We believe we are signing a very exciting and talented player who will thrive in a professional environment.' Rowe was part of the Canadian U-20 program from 2022 to 2024. AFC Toronto plays Ottawa Rapid FC next on July 10 — This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2025
Winnipeg Free Press
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Annabelle Chukwu, a prolific scorer at youth level, called up by Canada senior side
Canada coach Casey Stoney has called up teenage forward Annabelle Chukwu, who has scored a Canadian record 39 goals in 42 international youth-level appearances, for games against Costa Rica and the U.S. in the upcoming FIFA international window. The eighth-ranked Canadian women host No. 43 Costa Rica on June 27 in a special Pride Celebration game at Toronto's BMO Field before heading south to face the top-ranked U.S. on July 2 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. 'This (international) window is an important step forward for our group as we continue building toward our goals,' Stoney said in a statement. 'Playing at home, especially during Pride Month, means a great deal to this team and gives us an incredible opportunity to connect with more of our fans and honour the values that matter most to us. 'Facing Costa Rica will be a true measure of our progress, and immediately after, we step up to a world-class challenge against the world's top-ranked team, the U.S.A., which is exactly where we want to be.' Chukwu, a freshman at Notre Dame, was called up twice before by former Canada coach Bev Priestman but has yet to win a senior cap. The 18-year-old, who was born in England but grew up in Ottawa, has been a force at the youth level. Chukwu's highlight-reel goal in the 122nd minute lifted Canada to a 3-2 win over Mexico in the championship game at the CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship earlier this month in Costa Rica. She surpassed the previous Canadian youth scoring record of 27 goals, set by former Canada captain Christine Sinclair, in September at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia Stoney's 23-woman roster includes two Northern Super League players in AFC Toronto's Emma Regan and Vancouver Rise FC's Holly Ward. Other collegiate players are Harvard's Jade Rose and Michigan State's Kayla Briggs. In all, there are eight players aged 24 or younger. Veterans include captain Jessie Fleming, Vanessa Gilles, Julia Grosso, Jordyn Huitema, Ashley Lawrence, Adriana Leon, Nichelle Prince, Kailen Sheridan, Janine Sonis and Shelina Zadorsky. Zara Chavoshi, a 22-year-old Orlando Pride defender who made her senior debut June 3 in the 3-1 win over Haiti in Montreal, gets another call-up. So does 28-year-old Montpellier defender Marie Levasseur, who ended a 33-month absence from the senior side when she earned her 11th cap in the game against Haiti. Vancouver Rise veteran midfielder Quinn, who has won 106 caps for Canada, was not selected. Canada has won all 17 previous meetings with Costa Rica, outscoring the Central Americans 53-6. But they needed a 104th-minute goal to dispatch Costa Rica 1-0 the last time they met, in March 2024 in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF W Gold Cup in Los Angeles. Canada also needed a spectacular save from Sheridan, who had been a spectator for most of the match, in second-half injury time to preserve the win. The Canadian No. 1 kicked out her right foot to deny substitute Alexa Herrera in a rare Costa Rica attack. Canada had blanked Costa Rica 3-0 in the group stage at the tournament. Canada is 4-53-9 all-time against the U.S. in a rivalry that dates back to 1986 when the Canadian women's program was established. The Canadian women have not won on American soil since Nov. 11, 2000 (a 3-1 friendly win in Columbus, Ohio). In their most recent meeting, last April at the SheBelieves Cup in Columbus, Ohio, the two teams played to a 2-2 draw before the U.S. won a penalty shootout 5-4. The Americans also won by penalty shootout in the game before that, the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinal in March 2024. Canada's last win over the U.S. was a 1-0 decision in the Tokyo Olympic semifinal in August 2021. That was the Americans' first loss to their northern neighbours since March 2001, in the group stage of the Algarve Cup. The Canadian women are 5-1-1 under Stoney and are coming off a pair of wins over No. 50 Haiti in the May-June international window. Unavailable due to injury are defenders Kadeisha Buchanan, Sydney Collins and Jayde Riviere, and forwards Olivia Smith and Cloé Lacasse. Canada Roster Goalkeepers: Sabrina D'Angelo, Aston Villa (England); Lysianne Proulx, Juventus (Italy); Kailen Sheridan, San Diego Wave (NWSL). Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Defenders: Gabrielle Carle, Washington Spirit (NWSL); Zara Chavoshi, Orlando Pride (NWSL); Vanessa Gilles, Bayern Munich (Germany); Ashley Lawrence, Chelsea (England); Marie Levasseur, Montpellier HSC (France); Jade Rose, Harvard University (NCAA); Shelina Zadorsky, West Ham United (England). Midfielders: Marie-Yasmine Alidou, Portland Thorns (NWSL); Jessie Fleming, Portland Thorns FC (NWSL); Simi Awujo, Manchester United FC (England); Kayla Briggs, Michigan State University (NCAA); Julia Grosso, Chicago Red Stars (NWSL): Emma Regan, AFC Toronto (NSL). Forwards: Annabelle Chukwu, University of Notre Dame (NCAA); Jordyn Huitema, Seattle Reign (NWSL); Adriana Leon, San Diego Wave (NWSL); Nichelle Prince, Kansas City Current (NWSL); Janine Sonis, Racing Louisville (NWSL); Evelyne Viens, AS Roma (Italy); Holly Ward, Vancouver Rise FC (AFC). — This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2025
Toronto Sun
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Chukwu's wonder goal the difference as Canada women crowned CONCACAF U-20 champions
Published Jun 08, 2025 • 3 minute read Canadian players celebrate a goal by Lea Larouche (11) in Canada's 1-0 win over U.S. in semifinal play at the CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship in Alajuela, Costa Rica, in a Friday, June 6, 2025, handout photo. Photo by handout / THE CANADIAN PRESS Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. ALAJUELA — Canada won the CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship on Sunday, defeating Mexico 3-2 after extra time thanks to a marvellous goal by Annabelle Chukwu in the 122nd minute. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Chukwu beat two defenders at the byline and then, from an almost impossible angle, roofed the winner as the clock counted down in stoppage time. It was the fifth goal of the tournament for the 18-year-old from Ottawa who plays collegiate soccer at Notre Dame. Chukwu added to her Canadian youth international scoring record, previously held by Christine Sinclair. Chukwu now has 39 goals in 42 games from the under-15 to under-20 level. 'We stuck through for 120 minutes together … It's a dream come true,' said Chukwu. The Canadians celebrated by making snow angels in the confetti that covered the pitch after they received the trophy in the rain at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. Canada also won the CONCACAF tournament in 2004 and 2008. It was the Canadian women's first trip to the final since 2015, when it lost 1-0 to the U.S. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Mexico was in its fourth straight final, having won two of the previous three (2018 and 2023). Mexico defeated Canada 4-2 in earlier Group B play, the lone blemish on the Canadian record at the tournament. Sunday's rematch was full of twists and turns with Mexico reduced to 10 players when goalkeeper Mariangela Medina was sent off in the 90th minute. And Chukwu had a chance to put Canada ahead in the 119th minute, only to see substitute goalkeeper Camila Vazquez make a diving save to stop her. The extra-time penalty was awarded after American referee Delia Bradley went to the pitchside monitor to check a possible handball by defender Berenice Ibarra after a shot hit her outstretched arm. Mexico was reduced to 10 players when Medina was sent off for denying an obvious scoring chance. The 'keeper took Chukwu down going after the ball outside the penalty box with the red card coming after video review. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Vazquez took over in goal, with forward Deiry Ramirez giving way. Canada had taken a 2-1 lead in the 96th minute when, off a corner, the ball bounced in off Adriana Bianchin after a touch from fellow Canadian Iba Oching sent the ball on. But two minutes later Montserrat Saldivar beat Canadian goalkeeper Noelle Henning after a teammate found her behind the Canadian defence with a looping ball. Sienna Gibson had given Canada the lead in the 50th minute. Saldivar tied it up from the penalty spot in the 61st minute after she was bodied to the ground by Janet Okeke. The Canadian side was coached by Cindy Tye Canada was appearing in its fourth CONCACAF U-20 final — and first in 10 years. Defending champion Mexico was appearing in its fifth consecutive final. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Lea Larouche's 56th-minute goal had given Canada a 1-0 victory over the seven-time champion United States in semifinal play Friday. Mexico blanked Costa Rica 4-0 in the other semifinal. It was just the Americans' fourth loss in 66 games at the CONCACAF tournament (57-4-5). And it marks the first time in tournament history that the U.S. will not be part of the championship game. All four teams had already accomplished their goal of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland by reaching the semifinals. Canada has taken part in nine of the previous 11 editions of the FIFA U-20 tournament, missing out in 2010 and 2018. The Canadians lost 2-1 to Spain in the round of 16 at last year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. Canada booked its ticket to the CONCACAF tournament by winning its qualifying group with ease in February. The Canadians outscored their qualifying opposition 43-0, dispatching Dominica 22-0, Bermuda 9-0 and host Trinidad and Tobago 12-0. The U.S. and Mexico, as the top-ranked countries in CONCACAF, skipped the qualifying round and were given direct entry to the CONCACAF championship. Canada and 23 other teams had to win their way there, with Costa Rica, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Puerto Rico also topping their groups. Sports World Canada Editorials Sunshine Girls
Hamilton Spectator
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Chukwu's wonder goal the difference as Canada women crowned CONCACAF U-20 champions
ALAJUELA - Canada won the CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship on Sunday, defeating Mexico 3-2 after extra time thanks to a marvellous goal by Annabelle Chukwu in the 122nd minute. Chukwu beat two defenders at the byline and then, from an almost impossible angle, roofed the winner as the clock counted down in stoppage time. It was the fifth goal of the tournament for the 18-year-old from Ottawa who plays collegiate soccer at Notre Dame. Chukwu added to her Canadian youth international scoring record, previously held by Christine Sinclair. Chukwu now has 39 goals in 42 games from the under-15 to under-20 level. 'We stuck through for 120 minutes together … It's a dream come true,' said Chukwu. The Canadians celebrated by making snow angels in the confetti that covered the pitch after they received the trophy in the rain at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. Canada also won the CONCACAF tournament in 2004 and 2008. It was the Canadian women's first trip to the final since 2015, when it lost 1-0 to the U.S. Mexico was in its fourth straight final, having won two of the previous three (2018 and 2023). Mexico defeated Canada 4-2 in earlier Group B play, the lone blemish on the Canadian record at the tournament. Sunday's rematch was full of twists and turns with Mexico reduced to 10 players when goalkeeper Mariangela Medina was sent off in the 90th minute. And Chukwu had a chance to put Canada ahead in the 119th minute, only to see substitute goalkeeper Camila Vazquez make a diving save to stop her. The extra-time penalty was awarded after American referee Delia Bradley went to the pitchside monitor to check a possible handball by defender Berenice Ibarra after a shot hit her outstretched arm. Mexico was reduced to 10 players when Medina was sent off for denying an obvious scoring chance. The 'keeper took Chukwu down going after the ball outside the penalty box with the red card coming after video review. Vazquez took over in goal, with forward Deiry Ramirez giving way. Canada had taken a 2-1 lead in the 96th minute when, off a corner, the ball bounced in off Adriana Bianchin after a touch from fellow Canadian Iba Oching sent the ball on. But two minutes later Montserrat Saldivar beat Canadian goalkeeper Noelle Henning after a teammate found her behind the Canadian defence with a looping ball. Sienna Gibson had given Canada the lead in the 50th minute. Saldivar tied it up from the penalty spot in the 61st minute after she was bodied to the ground by Janet Okeke. The Canadian side was coached by Cindy Tye Canada was appearing in its fourth CONCACAF U-20 final — and first in 10 years. Defending champion Mexico was appearing in its fifth consecutive final. Lea Larouche's 56th-minute goal had given Canada a 1-0 victory over the seven-time champion United States in semifinal play Friday. Mexico blanked Costa Rica 4-0 in the other semifinal. It was just the Americans' fourth loss in 66 games at the CONCACAF tournament (57-4-5). And it marks the first time in tournament history that the U.S. will not be part of the championship game. All four teams had already accomplished their goal of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland by reaching the semifinals. Canada has taken part in nine of the previous 11 editions of the FIFA U-20 tournament, missing out in 2010 and 2018. The Canadians lost 2-1 to Spain in the round of 16 at last year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. Canada booked its ticket to the CONCACAF tournament by winning its qualifying group with ease in February. The Canadians outscored their qualifying opposition 43-0, dispatching Dominica 22-0, Bermuda 9-0 and host Trinidad and Tobago 12-0. The U.S. and Mexico, as the top-ranked countries in CONCACAF, skipped the qualifying round and were given direct entry to the CONCACAF championship. Canada and 23 other teams had to win their way there, with Costa Rica, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Puerto Rico also topping their groups. —- This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2025
