Three Canadians Named Tournament All-Stars

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Canada’s success in the Gold Cup was reflected in the selection of three Canadian players to the tournament all-star team and the naming of Richard Hastings as the competition’s top rookie, at an awards banquet in Los Angeles today.

Canadian goalkeeper Craig Forrest, defender Jason deVos and striker Carlo Corazzin were named tournament all-stars. Forrest will set a record for most caps by a goalkeeper in Canadian history when he makes his 52nd appearance for his country in the Gold Cup Final on Sunday, February 27 in Los Angeles, surpassing Paul Dolan.

Corazzin leads the tournament in goals with three, including his memorable bicycle kick against Costa Rica in the opening game of the competition. Captain deVos has anchored the Canadian defence, which has allowed three goals in four games.

Hastings was rewarded for his stellar performances since coming on as a substitute for the injured Paul Fenwick in the opening game of the tournament and for his golden goal against Mexico in the quarter-finals, which knocked the defending champions from the tournament.

Striker Robbie Aristodemo has been called in to join the team in light of several players picking up slight knocks. Paul Peschisolido is nursing a sore groin, midfielder Davide Xausa has a shoulder problem and midfielder Paul Stalteri is recovering from a laceration to his shin which required stitches to close.

Canada will face Colombia in the final to be played at the LA Coliseum at noon on February 27. The two teams have played only once in international competition with the South Americans earning a 3-0 victory in Colombia back on May 30, 1988.

Tournament All-Stars: Craig Forrest (Canada), Rafael Marquez (Mexico), Jason deVos (Canada), Ramon Ramirez (Mexico), Cobi Jones (USA), Arnold Dwarika (Trinidad and Tobago), Roberto Palacios (Peru), Russell Latapy (Trinidad and Tobago), Carlo Corazzin (Canada), Carlos Pavon (Honduras), Faustino Asprilla (Colombia).