Canada calls up five MLS players for Concacaf U-20 Championship

Canada Soccer have announced their squad for the upcoming Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship, and five players selected are currently on MLS rosters.

Michael Baldisimo and Theo Bair (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Mathieu Choiniere (Montreal Impact), Julian Dunn (Toronto FC) and Adonijah Reid (FC Dallas) will join their country’s U-20 national team next month in Bradenton, Florida with a spot in next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup on the line.

“This is an opportunity for our young players to show their talent and grow into the Canadian jersey, so it is a chance for us to see more players and see how they cope at the international level,” said Andrew Olivieri, Canada Soccer’s Men's EXCEL U-20 program director in a statement. “There is also an opportunity for some returning players to take on a bigger leadership role and play an important part in this U-20 cycle.”

Choiniere, 19, earned his first call-up to the senior national team in October, joining head coach John Herdman’s side for Concacaf Nations League qualifying. He has also made four appearances for the Impact this season as a substitute.

Canada begins the 35-nation tournament against Dominica on Nov. 2, the first of five games in nine days. The winners from each of six groups after round-robin play will advance to the qualification stage, competing against one another for four spots in next year’s U-20 World Cup in Poland.

Canada U-20 roster for Concacaf Championship