By Al Clark
al@canucks-abroad.com
www.canadasoccer.com
....and there it is.

That's sound of hearts falling all over Canada. Just as our collective hopes were raised by a gutsy performance against the Mexicans, the capitulation against the minnows of Haiti is all the harder to swallow.

After a strong opening that saw Canada take the lead through current TFC trialist Tyler Rosenlund, the island nation started to work their way back in by half time and dominated proceedings in the second half.

Much like their US adversaries' game agianst Cuba, this game should have been burried early. Even the forlorn shout for a [clear] penalty kick matter little as the game slid away from the side due to what was a combination of increased energy, commitment and a bag of dirty tricks.

At times it looked as if Canada were facing a much more illustrious opponent, as they chased balls and were continually second best. Haiti, took their time, but ultimately scored two late second half goals to turn the result on it's head....and worse of all, few fans could argue it was any less than either team deserved.

Such disappointment after such a promising start.

But it's not all over yet, thought the surprise Guatemala victory over Mexico means that Canada now needs to win by more goals against the group leaders than Mexico can manage against Haiti. If Haiti win, Canada is out regardless. If Mexico and Haiti draw, this only helps Canada is they can win. So, bottom line: Guatemala will be a must win game for the U23 Canucks.

So, down but not out and fans' will recall a disappointing result against Guadaloupe in the Gold Cup that didn't derail their competition (no, that came later via a Mexican referee...) as they hold out hope that Canada can beat out pre-tournament favourites Mexico for the second place spot.

Match Stats (Source: www.concacaf.com)

Group B – Carson, California USA; Home Depot Center
14.03.2008: CANADA – HAITI 1:2 (1:0) (A: 19638)
Tyler ROSENLUND 17’ - Alain GUSTAVE 72’; Leonel SAINT-PREUX 84’
CAN: 18-Joshua Wagenaar – 3-Jacob Lensky (46: 11-Tosaint Ricketts), 4-Dejan Jakovic, 5-Andrew Hainault, 6-Nikolas Ledgerwood, 7-Andrazes Ornoch, 12-Diaz Kambere, 13-Kyle Hall, 14-Tyler Hemming (57: 8-Ryan Gyaki), 15-Tyler Rosenlund (86: 9-Andrea Lombardo), 16-Keegan Ayre. Booked: Ornoch 66’
TD: Nick DASOVIC

Statistics: CAN – HAI
Goal Attempts: 11 – 18
Shots on Target: 3 – 7
Saves: 4 – 1
Fouls: 13 – 11
Corners: 3 – 3
Offsides: 4 – 4