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Saturday was a big day for New England Revolution midfielder Tajon Buchanan as the 22-year-old earned his first cap for Canada as the red and white took on Aruba in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers.
The 2020 Canadian Youth International Player of the Year was named to the main roster after a successful stint with the Under-23 team during Olympic qualifiers. Buchanan was previously called up to Canada’s camp in January 2021 but did not make an appearance in any of Canada’s friendlies.
Donning number twelve, Buchanan returned to the right-back position. The position Buchanan played and thrived in during the Revs 2020 playoff run which saw him score a goal.
Similar to MLS action, Buchanan continued to be targeted by the opposition as he would be fouled a total of three times throughout the match. Buchanan was a huge factor in Team Canada’s offensive production throughout the match as the Canadian assisted on two of seven goals in Canada’s 7-0 win over Aruba.
Buchanan’s first assist came right before the end of the first half as he broke past the Aruba defense on the right flank and directed a pass towards the center of the box to a waiting Lucas Cavallini who easy slotted the ball into the back of the net giving Canada a 3-0 lead heading into halftime.
Buchanan’s second assist came in the 49th minute as Buchanan found Zachary Brault-Guillard inside the box. Brault-Guillard would execute a beautiful spin move to shake the Aruba defense and put the ball in the back of the net.
Buchanan came close to notching a third assist in the closing moments of the match as Buchanan’s headed pass found Cyle Larin in the center of the box but his shot was too high and went out of play.
After Canada’s 7-0 win over Aruba, Canada sits atop of Group B with nine points and a +22 goal differential. Right below them sits Suriname who also have nine points but only have a +15 goal differential.
The two sides meet on June 8th at 9:05 PM ET. Canada will look to pick up a win or draw with Suriname to stay atop Group B.