FRISCO, Texas (AP) – Canada defeated Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 and Costa Rica defeated Honduras 3-1 on Saturday, making the 16 nations eligible for the Copa America.
In the opening match of a CONCACAF qualifying doubleheader, Cyle Larin scored in the 61st minute for Canada, and Jakob Schefferburg added another one in the first minute of stoppage time.
Larin's goal, which he took from a pass from Ike Ugbo with his left foot from just outside the penalty area, was his 29th goal in 66 games for his country.
Scheffelburg adds second international goal He took a left-footed shot off a pass from Jonathan David.
Canada opens the Copa America against defending champion Argentina in Atlanta on June 20, then faces Chile five days later in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and on June 29 in Orlando, Florida.
Costa Rica will play Brazil in Inglewood, Calif., on June 24, then play Colombia four days later in Glendale, Ariz., and conclude the first round against Paraguay on July 2 in Austin, Texas.
They will participate in the South American Championships along with the United States, Mexico, Panama and Jamaica as invited guests from North, Central America and the Caribbean.
Orlando Gallo, Warren Madrigal and Jefferson Brenes scored their first goals for Costa Rica.
Honduras took the lead in the 10th minute when Edwin Rodriguez crossed into the penalty area and Jerry Bengtsson, with his back to goal, backheeled the ball to Mikael Chirinos.he He volleyed past Keylor Navas from 22 yards. It was his first goal in his 21st international match.
Costa Rica then tied the game at 1:19 when Manfred Ugalde's header from a corner kick by Brenes was deflected by Jonathan Rouget. Gallo kicks the rebound..
Madrigal put Ticos ahead in the 56th minute. on a 16-yard shot. Brenes had a 30-yard shot in the 62nd minute that was parried away by defender Raul Santos.
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