September 12, 2007 Men's National Team--Canada vs Costa Rica result (from Canadian Soccer Association)

Men's National Team
September 12, 2007
Canada draws Costa Rica 1:1

The Canadian men’s national team marked its first game in Toronto in seven years with a 1-1 draw Wednesday night in a friendly against CONCACAF rival Costa Rica at the National Soccer Stadium.

Dwayne De Rosario scored minutes after Victor Nunez gave Costa Rica the lead to mark the national team’s debut at the soccer-specific facility. Canada, ranked no. 53, last played in Toronto in 2000 in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. With the draw, Canada’s all-time record against No. 52-ranked Costa Rica improved to four wins, six losses and four draws.

Canada continued its strong play from CONCACAF Gold Cup 2007 earlier this summer by taking the play to Costa Rica from the opening whistle. Quick runs along the wings and through passes led to a number of good scoring chances.

The first came in the seventh minute when Dwayne De Rosario’s cross was headed over the goal by a charging Ali Gerba. Later in the 23rd minute, pressure by Canada resulted in a De Rosario free kick that sailed over the goal.

Canada controlled much of the midfield with strong ball possession led by De Rosario and Julian de Guzman. The Canadians’ quickness and aggressiveness prevented Costa Rica from recording a single shot on goal in the first half. Canadian midfielder Atiba Hutchinson almost opened the scoring during first half injury time, but his point-blank shot from 18 yards out was stopped by Costa Rican goalkeeper Wardy Alfaro.

Costa Rica’s first and lone good scoring chance of the game led to the first goal of the game in the 48th minute. Nunez took a deft feed from the midfield and lifted the ball over an oncoming Lars Hirchfeld to give 'Los Ticos' a 1-0 lead. But, a minute later, Costa Rica’s Randal Azofeifa was sent off in the 49th minute after receiving his second yellow.

Canada capitalized on the man advantage six minutes later when Dwayne De Rosario tied the game in the 54th minute on a stellar goal. The two-time MLS goal of the year winner took a cross that dropped just over the head of his defender, corralled the ball and blasted a left-footed shot over Alfaro into the roof of the net.The goal was De Rosario’s 12th for the men’s national team, putting him fourth on the men’s national team all-time goal scoring list.

Canada pressed Costa Rica for the goal-ahead goal, but could not complete its rally. Rob Friend, who came in for Ali Gerba, came close around the 75th minute, but his turnaround shot from 10 yards out just went wide. In the end Canada outshot Costa Rica 13-3.

Canada last faced Costa Rica on June 6 in its first group stage match at the CONCACAF Gold Cup at Miami. In that game, Canada fell behind 1-0 before two de Guzman goals in the second half gave Canada an important 2-1 opening win.

NOTES: Before the game, de Guzman received his CONCACAF Gold Cup 2007 MVP trophy and Dwayne De Rosario took home the CSA’s 2006 Male Player of the Year honour.

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