Canada got off to a fast start to secure a win over Haiti

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS.- Canada got off to a fast start and rode that momentum to secure a 4-1 win over Haiti in the teams' second match of the Gold Cup's Group B at Children´s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.  

The scoreline might be a bit unfair to Haiti, which created several dangerous opportunities and scored a fantastic goal of its own to cut the score to 2-1 in the 56th minute. Canada would regain the momentum though, and add two more goals -- replicating the scoreline it produced against Martinique over the weekend. 

Canada set the tone early, scoring its opening goal in the fifth minute. Lucas Cavallini drew a foul to set up a free kick in a dangerous location about 20 yards out from goal. Stephen Eustáquio made the most of the opportunity, placing the ball perfectly into the net to give Canada the early advantage. 

That goal appeared to spark Haiti, which 10 shots on the match (four on goal). Unfortunately, Les Grenadiers struggled to execute in the final third. Canada played tentatively to close the opening 45 minutes, perhaps to protect their advantage as six players on the team were carrying yellow cards after the Martinique game. 

Canada would look sharper after the second-half whistle and the team was rewarded with a fine finish in the box by Cyle Larin in the 51st minute. 

Haiti would finally respond after that moment as it cut the deficit to just one goal with Stephane Lambese having a well-placed finish in top netting past Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau in the 56th minute. The goal would put some pressure on Canada and Haiti almost equalized moments later with Leverton Pierre hitting the woodwork. 

However, the Reds responded well. Richie Laryea was lively, attacking into the box and drawing a foul from Alex Christian. After consulting VAR, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Larin slotted home the penalty in the 74th minute easily after Haiti goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre guessed wrong and leaped in the opposite direction. 

Ayo Akinola, who entered on as a sub in the 77th minute, made an immediate impact with a swift charge into Haiti’s box in the 78th. Francois Dulysse tried to stop Akinola, but grabbing the attacker’s arm drew a red card and another penalty chance for Canada. Veteran Junior Hoilett made no mistake from the spot to assure the Canadian victory and the final scoreline.