Sixteen-year-old Deanne Rose’s first international goal opened the scoring at the BBVA Compass Stadium in the 25th minute, and Canada’s lead was doubled four minutes later as Lawrence found the back of net.

Rose further extended the advantage five minutes before half-time and the rout was complete shortly after the restart as player of the match Lawrence hit a quick-fire double.

Victory for Canada, ranked 11th in the world, stretched the country’s unblemished record in CONCACAF Olympic qualifying matches to nine. 

They played out the game a player down after captain Christine Sinclair was forced to leave the field while trainers examined her right calf.

Sinclair, who has 232 international appearances and is tied with retired American Mia Hamm for second on the career women's scoring list with 158 goals, finished with two assists.

Last year’s World Cup hosts are one of the favourites in the tournament and sit top of Group B ahead of Trinidad and Tobago, 2-1 winners against Guatemala earlier in the day, on goal difference. 

Second-half goals from Kennya Cordner and Tasha St. Louis saw Trinidad and Tobago come from behind after Ana Lucia Martinez had successfully converted a penalty in the 18th minute to put Guatemala in front.

Cordner’s headed equaliser came in the 74th minute and was followed four minutes later by St. Louis’s winner as she fired the ball home.

The two sides who book their place in the final of the competition will earn a berth at Rio 2016.

Action in Texas is set to continue tomorrow when Costa Rica face Puerto Rico and hosts the United States meet Mexico, with both matches due to take place at the Toyota Stadium.