Clarke scores to lift Canada to 1-0 win over Colombia at U-17 World Cup

BAKU, Azerbaijan – Canada is a win away from the quarter-finals of the FIFA under-17 women’s World Cup.

Summer Clarke of Richmond, B.C., scored to lead Canada to a 1-0 victory over Colombia at Shafa Stadium on Tuesday, leaving the Canadians second in their group behind Nigeria.

Clarke took a centring pass from Nichelle Prince of Ajax, Ont., to score in the 51st minute.

Less than a minute later, Clarke thought she may have had a second goal when she broke into the box and put the ball past the goalkeeper. The referee ruled the goal was offside.

Canada had another excellent chance in the 61st minute when Nicole Loncar of Brampton, Ont., hit the crossbar from just outside the Colombian box.

Clarke, who was named player of the match, has seven goals in seven FIFA/CONCACAF matches and is Canada’s all-time under-17 scoring leader.

Canada and Nigeria have four points apiece after two games, but Nigeria leads on goal differential after the Nigerians routed host Azerbaijan 11-0 on Tuesday.

Canada plays Azerbaijan in its final game of the group phase on Saturday.