The kid has done it again.
Alphonso Davies scored his third goal in two matches as Canada’s men’s national team played to a 1-1 draw against Costa Rica in their second match at the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
All in all it was a terrific team effort from Canada, who look to be continuing to improve under new head coach Octavio Zambrano.
Davies – who on Friday became the first player in the world born in 2000 to score in a major international tournament – was one of two Whitecaps FC players to start the match along with left back Sam Adekugbe, who was making his first start for Canada's senior national team.
In his third national team appearance, the 16-year-old Davies opened the scoring in the 26th minute when he sprung into the box to fire in a low cross from midfielder Scott Arfield.
GOL Canadá, Alphonso DAVIES No. 12 | @FEDEFUTBOL_CR@CanadaSoccerEN#CopaOro2017pic.twitter.com/TZivuV56q7
— CONCACAF (@CONCACAF) July 12, 2017
But Costa Rica would find an equalizer in the 42nd minute when defender Fransisco Calvo, from MLS rivals Minnesota United FC, headed in a corner kick to level the match at 1-1.
GOL Costa Rica, Francisco CALVO No. 15 | @FEDEFUTBOL_CR@CanadaSoccerEN#CopaOro2017pic.twitter.com/0A7OyhdxUA
— CONCACAF (@CONCACAF) July 12, 2017
There were concerns for Canada in the second half when Davies left the match in the 69th minute after rolling his right ankle. However the young prospect was able to walk off the field on his own power before icing his ankle on the sidelines.
Both teams had second half chances, but the final whistle would confirm a 1-1 final score.
The Red and White now have a great chance of advancing to the quarterfinals. The result puts Canada on four points, keeping them atop the group heading into their final Group A match against Honduras on Friday (4 p.m. PT on TSN2).
Whitecaps FC, meanwhile, host their next home match at BC Place on Sunday, July 23 against fierce rivals Portland Timbers. Tickets remain available for the match at ticketmaster.ca/whitecapsfc.
Prior to that match, the ‘Caps are off to California to face LA Galaxy on Wednesday, July 19 (7:30 p.m. PT on TSN and TSN 1040 Radio).
