Three TFC Academy graduates were in France these past few weeks competing in the prestigious Toulon Tournament representing Canada. Aidan Daniels, Julian Dunn, and Noble Okello all played prominent roles for Canada during the two-week tournament.
This year is the 46th edition of the Toulon tournament, which is considered by many to be the greatest international friendly tournament for under-21 international sides. Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco was named the player of the tournament in 2008 as Italy was crowned Champions. Other notable players to feature in the tournament include Thierry Henry, Javier Mascherano, Kevin Gameiro, and James Rodriguez.
Canada was placed in a difficult group with Portugal, Turkey, and Japan. They opened the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Portugal. Dunn, Okello and Daniels all started in the opener.
Canada’s second game of the tournament was against Turkey. Daniels and Okello made the start as Canada got a late winner from Noah Verhoeven to take the crucial three points and sit for the time at the top of group C.
Canada’s final group stage match was against Japan. Okello and Dunn both started as Canada looked to lock up top spot in the group with a win. Aidan Daniels came on as a substitute as Canada ended the group stage with a 1-1 draw.
The result was unfortunately not enough to lift Canada to the semi-finals as Turkey beat Portugal to take the group with six points. Canada finished with five points with a 1-0-2 record.
Canada was seeded in the fifth place placement match against the hosts France. Daniels, Dunn, and Okello all made the start as Canada fell 2-1 to a strong French side to finish the tournament in sixth place.
