Trust The Kids: Tahid and Tavernier Both Feature For Canada U-17

Two Canadian Premier League youngsters are now heading back to their clubs after making their debuts for Canada at the U-17 level.

This month saw Vancouver FC’s TJ Tahid and Forge FC’s Kevaughn Tavernier included in the Young Reds squad which played two friendlies against Brazil in Sao Paulo, with both of the fledgling talents getting game time as Canada endured some learning moments.

Kevaughan Tavernier started both matches, while Tahid earned a start in the first before coming on as a second half sub in the second. Canada lost both bouts against Brazil, with the first friendly ending in a 3-1 loss and the second proving to be a more lopsided 5-0 defeat.

Tahid, 16, made history as the league’s youngest athlete to sign a pro deal in the CPL earlier this year. The winger has contributed three goals in 19 matches, enjoying an individually bright rookie season despite his team becoming the first to be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.

The Maple Ridge-born youngster will be hoping he’s impressed enough to earn a call back to the 2023 FIFA U-17 Cup set for this fall in Indonesia, for which his country has already booked a ticket through the Concacaf Under-17 Championship.

Brampton’s own Kevaughn Tavernier, 17, will also hope to be counted amongst those ranks. The Sigma FC product had signed a developmental deal with Forge earlier this summer, making his debut more recently against Cavalry before enjoying a longer shift against Wooden Spoon contenders Valour FC.

Both players are expected to be available for the final matchday of the regular season, where Tahid’s Vancouver FC are on a post-elimination hot streak while Forge are vying to secure second place against an Atletico Ottawa side desperate for a win.

Header Image Photo Credit: Renan Camargo