The man known as “Canada” to his Real Salt Lake youth academy teammates helped his club win its first tournament of the soccer season last weekend.

Whitehorse product Callum Wood Ryan, 16, played every minute in his team’s victory at the 2014 Valparaiso United Invitational in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Real Salt Lake-Arizona Elite beat Tuzos Pachuca 4-3 in a penalty shootout to win the U-17 final.

Both teams sent seven shooters to the spot following a 0-0 draw after regulation time.

The game was a rematch of Real Salt Lake’s first contest of the tournament last Friday, which they dropped 2-1 to Tuzos Pachucha.

The team rebounded to win its second game 1-0 over Pros PSC, with a valiant effort that saw them play the final 28 minutes of the game down a man due to injury.

The club went on to defeat the host Valparaiso United squad 4-1 in the semifinal, with Wood Ryan assisting on Alex Vedamanikam’s goal from the top of the box for his club’s third strike.

While the tournament didn’t feature many teams, Wood Ryan said the win was still special.

“It was our first tournament that we won as a team, so it shows that we are playing much better as a team,” the Yukoner told the Star.

Real Salt Lake played without substitutes, meaning Wood Ryan played every minute of the tournament, alternating between left midfield and right back.

Wood Ryan spent the summer in Casa Grande, Ariz., training with Real Salt Lake for six weeks.

He joined the team full-time after his player rights were released by the Vancouver Whitecaps, who have priority over prospects in B.C. and the Yukon.

“I am definitely growing as a player here,” he said. “The speed of play here is faster than I’ve ever played in outdoor, so it has been a big adjustment.

“I wouldn’t say it has been very easy, but I think I’m starting to find my feet here and adapt to their style of play.”

The youngster said his personal goal for the season is to make the jump to the organization’s academy team, where he then may “start dreaming” of a call to play for the U-17 Canadian national squad.

As for now, he wants to help Real Salt Lake win every game and tournament that they play.

Wood Ryan said he remains grateful for the opportunity, thanking his family and many coaches who “got me to where I am.”