Canada’s men’s national soccer team put forth a solid performance against the U.S. in a scoreless draw at BMO Field Sunday night amid the Canadian Soccer Association’s 2012 centennial celebrations. Canada wore a blue jersey that paid tribute to the first match between Canada and the U.S. that took place in Montreal on June 7, 1925. Canada won that match 1–0.
“We showed a lot of discipline defensively,” said Canadian head coach Stephen Hart in a post-game interview with Sportsnet.
“[In the second half], we took the game to them. At the end of the day, it’s probably a fair result.”
Canadian goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld made a spectacular save in the 93rd minute off a header from a free kick to preserve the scoreless draw. A minute earlier, Simeon Jackson fired a Dwayne De Rosario pass just wide of the U.S. goal from point-blank range in a thrilling end to an otherwise unspectacular game.
“We stayed compact as a group,” said Canadian veteran defender Kevin McKenna who plays professionally in Germany. “We have quality players. I thought today we showed it.
“We trained hard in the last 10-12 days and I think it paid off tonight.”
The U.S. started to control possession in the early part of the first half before Canada got a foothold after some physical play.
The most controversial moment of the match came in the 34th minute when Canada was called for a mysterious foul just prior to Nik Ledgerwood firing a tight-angle shot past Tim Howard in the U.S. goal. The call sparked a strong protest from Canadian players who had no idea why the goal was ruled off.
World Cup Qualifying Preparation
Sunday night’s international friendly had more riding on it than most friendlies in that both teams kick off the next stage of World Cup 2014 qualifying this Friday.
Both nations are aware of the centenary of Canadian soccer amid the celebration and historic blue uniforms for Canada, but the players and coaches are more focused on World Cup qualifier preparation.
“The most important thing is the opening game against Cuba,” said Hart in the pre-match press conference.
“We are trying to prepare the team as strong as possible for World Cup qualifiers,” said the U.S.’s German head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
Canada will take on Cuba in Havana this Friday before hosting Honduras next Tuesday in Toronto. The U.S. faces Antigua and Barbuda on Friday before traveling to Guatemala next Tuesday.
“It gives us an opportunity to get a good game under our belt prior to the World Cup qualifying match against Cuba,” said De Rosario in an interview with Canada Soccer.
The Canada–USA soccer rivalry is growing although a large gap still exists in terms of international success. The U.S. are currently unbeaten in 15 games against Canada and are widely expected to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, whereas for Canada, it would be a significant achievement if they make it to the final round of CONCACAF qualification.
But Canada’s performance against the U.S. should give them confidence heading into Cuba despite not having played many preparatory matches.
Follow Rahul on Twitter @RV_ETSports
