Ascendant defender Luc de Fougerolles anchors Canada's backline in clean-sheet win over Wales

Chris Jones is in Wales with Canada's men's soccer team as it continues preparations for next year's FIFA World Cup.

Luc de Fougerolles, Canada's ascendant 19-year-old defender, waited in the team's hotel lobby on Tuesday afternoon, a few hours before his side took on Wales in Swansea. The sliding doors opened, and a woman walked in with a huge smile. De Fougerolles smiled back, and he stood up to hug his mum.

More family followed, including his father, Jean. Luc was born in London, and his parents still live there, but he can play for Canada because Jean de Fougerolles was born in Montreal. In 2018, when Canada was named a co-host of next summer's World Cup and Luc was 11 years old, he came to his dad with a plan.

He's close to making his childhood dream come true. He started against Wales, the first time his family has been able to watch him play for Canada in person, and they saw him anchor a thrilling 1-0 win. The Canadian men, who hadn't won in Europe since 2011, had now won twice in Europe in the same window, and with back-to-back clean sheets.

"The best ten days we've had together," head coach Jesse Marsch said after.

WATCH | Derek Cornelius scores on free kick against Wales:

Derek Cornelius free kick lifts Canada over Wales in international friendly

De Fougerolles also started last week's 3-0 win over Romania, filling in for the injured Moise Bombito alongside Derek Cornelius, Canada's two presumptive starting central defenders. But his play — the continuation of a mostly excellent several months for him with the national team — is giving Marsch different combinations to consider.

"If we were to pinpoint the best thing that happened for us over the summer, it was Luc," Marsch said last week in Bucharest.