Starting off qualification with a win was a step in the right direction for Canada. The opposition was of a lower standard and physically couldn't compete on the same level, but confidence is contagious and the match in Puerto Rico was a good test of that resolve. Despite being favoured with a higher FIFA ranking, Canadians have grown accustomed to being underachievers on the international stage and could not overlook Puerto Rico.
Stephen Hart made four changes to his line-up, the most notable being Terry Dunfield replacing Atiba Hutchinson and Will Johnson given the start ahead of Simeon Jackson. I was puzzled to see Lars Hirschfeld get the nod ahead of Milan Borjan, the young goalkeeper is shaping up to be the future number one, and I would think this is the perfect time to give him much needed experience.
The match did not start as planned for Canada. The early possession went to Puerto Rico. Noah Delgado had the first chance on goal but Hirschfeld did enough to tip it wide of the far corner. With three minutes played, the home side had already taken three corner kicks and was noticeably the aggressors. It took Canada almost ten minutes to settle, slowly putting passes together and inching towards their opponents half of the field.
Opportunities started to appear for the visitors. Ian Hume had a shot from distance that went over the bar, followed by a nice individual display by David Edgar down the right that could have provided Canada with the early lead. Puerto Rico had a chance to go in front, when Christian Arrieta had a routine volley from a mistimed clearance caught by Hirschfeld. They cooled considerably offensively as the first half wore on. Both teams suffered from poor play in the final third, but Canada started to take control.
Josh Simpson had another fantastic performance. He was slowly edging closer to becoming the focal point in Canada's attack, continuously beating his marker and providing great service to his teammates. Johnson was on the end of a nice give-and-go with Simpson but was blocked with a timely challenge by the defender. Not only the provider, Simpson almost got on the other end of a sublime cross by Edgar, but placed it over the bar. The final touch was poor from everyone, but Julian De Guzman looked to be struggling most of all. Often mistiming a pass or taking the extra touch and losing possession, he also struggled with his shooting. What is most frustrating is that De Guzman has the ability and experience to be better, needing to lead by example for the younger members of the squad.
Right before half-time Canada was able to take the lead. Hume pounced on a loose ball and hammered it into the back corner of the net. Mike Klukowski provided the cross, which was poorly cleared by the defender. It fell right to Hume; finally we see some quality on the final ball from the Canadians. It took a while to get started but Canada finished strong and the players confidence seemed to have been boosted immensely after going ahead.
Puerto Rico was under pressure at the re-start, with sloppy clearances that Canada should have capitalized on to extend their lead. Simeon Jackson came in off the bench and made an immediate impact, striking the post with a fine shot. The home side looked tired and rarely ventured into Canadian territory, but all it takes is one shot to tilt momentum and change the match. After all the possession Canada was lucky not to concede, gifting a free header for Tyler Wilson, that just missed the far corner by inches. Kevin McKenna was also forced to produce a great defensive clearance to deny another clear scoring chance. Despite the loss of focus defensively the lead was still intact.
Another change in the starting eleven was David Edgar at right back. He had a solid performance, bombing up the wing at will and possessing the skill to consistently beat the defender. The Burnley man was providing an endless supply of service down the right side. The second goal for Canada came off his free kick, a nice right curl from a tough angle that caused a rebound. The ball then fell to Jackson who easily scored to double the lead and practically guarantee the victory for the Canadians. The goal scorer then became the provider deep into injury time, crossing the ball through the defenders legs to set up Tosaint Ricketts to make it three for the visitors on the night. It was his first goal for the senior side in a competitive match.
The new format for qualification into the World Cup for Canada is a much longer journey, filled with many obstacles. For some nations this would be a major concern due to the extra matches being added to their already full international calendar. However this is exactly what Canada needs to form a cohesive unit. The players need every opportunity available to create an identity on the field. You can see small signs of progress within the squad already forming. Simpson, Jackson, Johnson and Edgar will all hopefully become the spine for Canadian Soccer. More matches will only accelerate the learning process and build the players IQ with one another. Positive results will follow, helping to improve the image of soccer in this country and abroad.
Man of the Match: Josh Simpson
Honourable Mention: Simeon Jackson
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