Whitby’s Smith scores but Canadian loss eliminates them from U20 World Cup playoffs

A second straight two-goal loss has Canada’s Women’s National junior team’s playoff hopes done like dinner at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Costa Rica.

Magnaba Folquet scored twice to guide France to a 3-1 victory in the second of three preliminary games at the competition. Whitby forward Olivia Smith scored in stoppage time for Canada to break up the clean sheet; the first goal for the Canadians after a 2-0 loss to South Korea in the opener.

Canada controlled possession for much of the game but were not dangerous in attack, with France outshooting them 10-2 (on target) and 29-5 in total attempted shots.

Esther Mbakem-Niaro scored France’s third goal in the 88th minute.

Canada, eliminated from World Cup contention with the loss, will play against unbeaten Nigeria on Wednesday, while France faces South Korea.