Canada U-17 team selects three CPL players—Jimoh, Kozlovskiy, and Podgorni—for June friendlies against the U.S. and Japan in Spain.
Canada U-17 team has called up three players from the Canadian Premier League (CPL) for international friendlies in Spain.
The matches against Japan on June 5 and the United States on June 7 will serve as key preparation for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, set to take place in Qatar this November.
Among the players selected is Shola Jimoh, a forward for York United FC. Known for his speed and agility, Jimoh previously represented Canada during the Concacaf U-17 qualifiers and has shown great promise in the CPL.
Joining him is Sergei Kozlovskiy, a defender for Atlético Ottawa.
Kozlovskiy also played in the Concacaf qualifiers and has continued to develop as a vital part of Canada’s youth defensive lineup.
Kevin Podgorni, a 17-year-old attacker from Vancouver FC, rounds out the trio.
Podgorni earns his first international call-up after making three appearances in the CPL this season, impressing coaches with his attacking flair and adaptability.
The training camp and matches will take place in Albir, Spain.
These games are seen as a crucial test for the squad ahead of the World Cup.
Canada secured qualification earlier this year and will find out their group opponents during the tournament draw on Sunday, May 25.
