New England Revolution: CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier update

It was an exciting start to CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers for some of the Revolution’s youth. Defenders Henry Kessler, representing the United States, Francois Dulysse, representing Haiti, and Midfielder Tajon Buchanan, representing Canada, looked to start Olympic Qualifying on a good foot.

Henry Kessler and the United States were the first to see action as they took on Costa Rica Thursday night. Although Kessler did not make the starting XI, he was able to earn a spot on the United States bench. Unfortunately, Kessler was not subbed on in the 1-0 win over Costa Rica.

Kessler will look to make his first international appearance as the United States Youth National Team returns to action on Sunday as they take on the Dominican Republic. Sunday’s match is slated to kickoff at 7:00 PM EST.

Revolution II and 2021 SuperDraft pick Francois Dulysse earned the nod for Haiti’s opener against Honduras on Friday afternoon. Things got hectic for Haiti before the starting whistle even blew. A handful of Haitian players failed to show up on time for pregame COVID-19 tests which forced a field player to start in net.

Dulysse had a strong showing in the match as he was able to show a good defensive effort and even prevented Honduras from advancing their lead on a handful of occasions. Dulysse’s second half got off to a rocky start as he received a yellow card in the 46th minute. He played all 90 minutes in Haiti’s 3-0 defeat to Honduras.

Tajon Buchanan earned his first cap for Team Canada after earning the nod for Canada’s Starting XI, and man did he show off! On top of his first cap, Buchanan would also earn his first goal for Team Canada in the 18th minute after beating El Salvadorian defender Kevin Menjivar in a one-on-one situation inside the box and put the ball in the back of the net.

Tajon’s night would not be over though. After being tripped up by an opposing player, Buchanan was seen on his knees pleading to the referee. Karma would intervene against El Salvador as a heavily defended Michael Baldisimo would flick the ball out of the box towards Buchanan’s direction. Tajon would then spring to his feet and send an absolute rocket into the back of the net from outside the 18-yard-box. Buchanan’s goal would give Canada a 2-0 lead and eventual win over El Salvador and earn Buchanan a brace in his international debut.

Buchanan and Team Canada return to action as they take on Dulysse and Haiti on Monday. Monday’s game is slated to kickoff at 6:00 PM.