(TAIPEI CITY, Taiwan) Two goals by Juan Martin Oyenard Dupuy in the final ten minutes of the game handed the Canadian men’s soccer team a 2-0 loss to open pool play at the 2017 Summer Universiade.
Canada controlled possession for much of the match and had numerous attempts in the opening half after a quick start by Uruguay, but were unable to capitalize. The squads were locked in a scoreless tie at halftime.
Unfortunately for the Canadians, they went down a man four minutes into the second half as Marcus Lees was handed his second yellow card of the match at the 49th minute.
Uruguay used this to their advantage and Oyenard Dupuy scored his first of the match in the 80th minute. After the Canadians were handed a second red card in the 89th minute, to Matthew Zaikos, Ovenard Dupuy added an insurance marker in the 90th minute.
“It was a disappointing result, but not a disappointing effort from the guys under very difficult circumstances,” said Team Canada head coach Miles Pinsent. “We gave up two goals in the final 10 minutes, both on penalties. This after having two players sent off with red cards. The boys put in a great effort playing shorthanded in extreme heat.”
Japan and Uruguay now lead the pool with records of 1-0-0, while Canada and Malaysia are looking for their first points.
Canada’s next match is Monday, August 21 against Japan. It starts at 5am Atlantic.