After 132 Years, Canada Reclaims Soccer Victory in New Jersey at the 2017 Danone Nations Cup

On November 25th, 1885 on a soccer pitch in Kearney New Jersey, just 4 miles (6.4 km) away from the Red Bull Arena, a team of Canadian All-Star soccer players defeated the American team in what is recorded as the first international soccer game to be held in the United States. This afternoon, nearly 132 years later a two teams of Canadian All-Stars have once again claimed victory in a first-ever international soccer game not far from the site of the original 1885 victory.

Above: Canadian boys team in Day 1 action at the 2017 Danone Nations Cup. Photo: Courtesy Danone

As part of a gathering of over 400 athletes representing 33 nations, the Canadian boys and girls soccer teams scored victories in the first day of elimination matches at the 2017 Danone Nations Cup World Finals Soccer Tournament. The Danone Nations Cup is the world’s largest international soccer tournament for 10-12 year old youth. The Danone Nations Cup World Final taking place this Sunday at Major League Soccer's Red Bull Arena is the culmination of several months of contests held around the world involving 2.5 million young athletes. This is the tournament’s first visit to the United States in its 18 year history and the first year the tournament is hosting a girls division.

During the first day's action held at the Red Bulls training facility in Harrison New Jersey, the Canadian boys team scored victories over Uruguay (3-0), Japan (3-1) and Belgium (2-1) while the Canadian girls split their matches, losing a closely contested battle to France (0-1) and rebounding to defeat Italy (2-0). Both the boys and girls teams have qualified to move on to day 2, tomorrow.

Above: Canada vs Belgium action on Day 1. Photo: Courtesy Danone

Above: Canada's boys stand in First Place among the Group C teams. Courtesy Danone

Below: The Canadian girls team holds second place in the Group A standings after Day 1 competitions. Courtesy Danone