Tajon Buchanan made his Canada debut a memorable one on Friday night, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over El Salvador to kick off Concacaf Men's Olympic Qualifying at Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Buchanan, making his first appearance for Canada at any age level, opened the scoring in the 17th minute, receiving a pass on the left wing before cutting past his defender and calmly sliding a left-footed finish through the goalkeeper's legs.
The 22-year-old New England Revolution winger outdid himself just four minutes later, rising from his knees to lash a right-footed shot just inside the post from 20 yards, celebrating with a trademark backflip as he doubled Canada's lead. In the process, Buchanan became the 12th player in Canada Soccer history to register a brace in Concacaf Men's Olympic Qualifying, and the first since Tosaint Ricketts in 2008, according to Canada Soccer.
Buchanan so nearly added an assist to his pair of goals shortly after the halftime break as his left-wing cross teed up Ballou Tabla inside the six-yard box, but El Salvador goalkeeper Mario Gonzalez made a stellar save to prevent Canada from finding a third.
Brimming with confidence, Buchanan and Canada are back in action on Monday at 6 p.m. ET, when they'll take on Haiti and New England Revolution II defender François Dulysse. Coverage will be available on FS1 and TUDN.
