In a soccer friendly match held in Harrison, N.J., Canada played a competitive game against Colombia, ranked 13th, managing to secure a scoreless draw. Despite the 26th-ranked Canadian men putting up a strong performance led by midfielder Stephen Eustaquio and winger Tajon Buchanan, Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch expressed a desire for his team to push further towards victory rather than just sharing honors with a top-tier opponent.
The game saw limited scoring opportunities for both sides, with Colombia outshooting Canada 6-4, and both teams registering only one shot on target each. The match was characterized by a high number of fouls, with 38 fouls called, including 23 in the first half, keeping the American referee Guido Gonzales Jr. busy throughout the evening.
Canada, coming off a recent 1-0 loss to Australia, showcased improvements in their gameplay against Colombia. While failing to score during the game, Marsch highlighted the positive progress of his team and emphasized the need for more quality in critical moments to convert their chances.
The match witnessed pivotal moments, including Buchanan’s threatening shot saved by Colombia’s goalkeeper Alvaro Montero and a disallowed goal by Jonathan David due to offside. Colombia intensified their attacks towards the end, with substitute Rafael Santos Borre’s header narrowly missing the target and a crucial defensive play by Richie Laryea preventing a late Colombian goal attempt.
Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, vying for the starting role, achieved his ninth clean sheet in 18 international appearances, contributing to Canada’s defensive resilience. The game, played in front of a lively pro-Colombian crowd at Sports Illustrated Stadium, marked the first of a series of matches against South American opponents for the Canadian men.
Looking ahead, Canada will face Ecuador and Venezuela in their upcoming friendlies to conclude the 2025 campaign. With a current record of 6-2-4, the Canadian men have shown a competitive edge, with two draw outcomes converting into penalty shootout losses earlier in the year.
On the other hand, Colombia, coming off a dominant 4-0 victory against Mexico, has been in good form, maintaining an unbeaten streak in their recent matches. The team’s strong performance has secured their place in the upcoming World Cup following a successful CONMEBOL qualifying campaign.
In conclusion, the game between Canada and Colombia showcased a resilient performance from both sides, setting the stage for future matchups and highlighting the evolving competitiveness of international soccer.
