Canada and United States play to scoreless draw in final tune-up

TORONTO, ON -
The USA-Canada soccer rivalry might be more intense than in past years, but a largely tepid 0-0 draw in a friendly on Sunday evening at BMO Field will not add any fuel to the fire.

In a game contested mainly in the midfield, both teams struggled to create many clear-cut chances until stoppage time, when each side had a glorious opportunity to pull out a win.

First, in the 91st minute, Canada’s Simeon Jackson shanked a stoppage-time sitter just wide of the target after Dwayne De Rosario beat United States defender Michael Parkhurst to the byline and served a low cross into the area.

A minute later, the Americans nearly pulled off the win when Clarence Goodson got great power behind his header off of a Michael Bradley free kick. But after being largely untested through the match, Canada’s Lars Hirschfeld was alert and tipped the ball over the crossbar.

FULL LINEUPS AND BOX SCORE

But the largest talking point of the match was a called-off goal for Canada in the 34th minute. After the USA's Edgar Castillo got caught in possession deep in the corner, under pressure from De Rosario and Tosaint Ricketts, the ball popped out and fell to attacking midfielder Nik Ledgerwood. The SV Wehen Wiesbaden midfielder drilled his shot past Tim Howard from an acute angle for what appeared to be the opening goal.

But the assistant referee’s flag was up, and the goal was called back as the referee whistled David Edgar for a foul on Castillo. The call came late and raised a shout from the Canadian fans.

The match marked the final tune-up before Friday’s CONCACAF semifinal-round openers in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying, and both sides used the exhibition as a chance to integrate their players.

USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann lined up his side in a rare 4-4-2 formation, with Clint Dempsey and Herculez Gomez up top. But the real changes came at the back. Goodson started on the backline, the third centre back partner Carlos Bocanegra has had in the past three matches, and a warm-up injury to Fabian Johnson meant Castillo was at left fullback.

The Canadians, meanwhile, played a very effective 4-2-3-1, and their midfield, in particular the defensive holding pair of Will Johnson and Julian de Guzman, stifled the Americans all night. De Rosario lined up on the left flank and attacked Steve Cherundolo.

OPTA Chalkboard: Canada stymie US midfield in draw

The night began with a festive atmosphere, as the match marked the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Soccer Association. The crowd of 15,247 included a decent-sized contingent of USA fans, and they braved an unseasonably chilly evening at the stadium in hopes of seeing an entertaining contest.

Instead, they were stymied by a lackluster affair that had only seven total shots on goal and only 21 shots total.

In the end, it was just a friendly. The real games come on Friday, when Canada take on Cuba in Havana and the USA host Antigua & Barbuda in Tampa, Florida. Then, regardless of the opponent, intensity will be vital.

MLSsoccer.com Men of the Match