The United States Under-23 Men’s National Team began the 2015 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifications with a positive 3-1 victory over Canada on Thursday. Stanford University product Jordan Morris led the Americans by scoring a brace against the Canucks at Sporting Park.

Right off the bat, the lethal 20-year-old striker completed Jerome Kiesewetter accurate cross into the center of the penalty box. Morris completed his run and placed himself at the center of the goal and headed the ball into the back of the net to give the Americans the 1-0 lead at the first minute of the game.

The Yanks had their dream start to the match and the tournament. However, the Canadians did not wither after giving up the early goal. Les Rouges fired 13 shots at U.S. goalie Zack Steffen and managed to get six of them on target. The Canadians offense finished with three more shots hitting the frame then the Yanks did.

However, the U.S. nearly doubled the lead when Kiesewetter controlled a pass that landed in the box. He then eluded one defender with a quick cut to his left. The German native then lined up a shot and pulled the trigger quickly. The ball seemed destined to hit the bottom left hand corner of the net but Canadian keeper Maxime Crepeau deflected the shot to keep the score 1-0.  

The two nations continued to create chances, but with every minute that passed the game became more physical. Between the United States and Canada they combined for 28 fouls and three yellow cards.

However, the USMNT regardless of the physical battle they were still holding on to a narrow lead as the second half drew closer to an end. However, the Canucks were just one goal away from tying the game.

Before the Canadians scored the tying goal Morris put the game away in the 73rd minute. The 20-year-old speedster controlled a long range pass as he approached the penalty box. Morris was closely followed by a defender, but he kept possession of the ball and also shielded him off. Crepeau came out fast and closed the American forwards angle, but Morris kept his cool and placed the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-0.

However, Les Rouges managed to claw their way back after Morris put the Yanks up two goals. Canadian midfielder Michael Petrasso cuts the lead in half in the 81st minute by flicking the ball with his head. Canada was now back in the game, but only briefly. Right before the game ended U.S. midfielder Luis Gil made it 3-1 by converting a penalty in the 92nd minute.

With this result, the Yanks are now just 90 minutes away from clinching a spot into the next round. The United States will face Cuba on Saturday at Sporting Park. The U.S. only needs a victory to potentially win the group.

As for the Canucks, this result places them in hot water. Their next opponent will be against Panama on Saturday and at the same location. If Canada does not leave the match with at least one point, their dreams of playing at the 2016 Summer Olympics at Rio can potentially be over.