3 takeaways from Canada that beat the friendly game in Panama

Article content

The stadium shook several times during Jesse Marsch's home debut, and Jonathan David brought him down late in the game.

Article content

David scored the winning goal in the 87th minute as Canada beat Panama 2-1 in a FIFA friendly at BMO Field on Tuesday night.

“First of all, it was great to be at home,” Marsch said in his first game on Canadian soil as men's coach. I think the fans did great, we watched an exciting match with a late goal and a great victory.

Marsch was hired on May 13. His contract runs until July 2026.

We're sorry, but this video has failed to load.

Play the video

David and Liam Millar played continuously as David passed the ball to Millar and ran towards the open space in the penalty area. Millar passed the ball to David and his right-foot shot found the bottom left corner of the goal, beyond the reach of goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.

Cyle Larin scored for Canada in the 44th minute. Jose Fajardo scored for Panama in the 69th minute.

Article content

Article content

Not a very friendly thing

During this storm in the kettle on a cold, windy and rainy evening, the mood ebbed and flowed.

American referee Tori Penso handed out seven yellow cards in an attempt to keep the game just below the boiling point. The pushing and shoving after the whistle, the wild gesticulations and finger waving was a game beyond play.

Perhaps the most egregious offense came in stoppage time when Michael Murillo shot at Maxime Crepeau from close range after being adjudged offside. Canadian Joel Waterman took offense to the offense as the temperature rose.

Marsch says his unit was prepared to aggressively attack Panama.

“The ability to win fights and set the tone physically, with the way we play, is important for our development and I think we're getting more and more of that,” Marsch said. “I think we're able to set that (physical) tone in a really good way.”

Article content

The surface of suffering

The teams were originally scheduled to train at BMO on Monday, but both sessions were moved to the TFC facility in Downsview.

Marsch didn't want to make a big deal about the condition of the road surface.

“The pitch is not perfect, although everyone is trying to make it better,” Marsch said.

Canada will host Suriname in the second leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals on November 18.

Marsch also knows that in CONCACAF, pitches and playing conditions are rarely perfect.

Without a doubt, a Nations League match in mid-November would not be considered ideal.

“At the end of the day, we can't make excuses,” Marsch said. “There is no room for excuses in what we do.”

Article content

30 for 30

On Tuesday night, both Larin and David reached the 30-goal mark for Canada.

“These guys love each other,” Marsch said. “They have a really nice relationship and are really supportive of each other.”

Marsch says both players are in good form with their domestic clubs.

Larin plays for RCD Mallorca in La Liga. He scored one goal in seven matches played.

“Larin scores goals at Mallorca and plays a bigger role in what they do,” Marsch said. “For Larin to perform like this is good for him and good for us.”

David plays football for LOSC Lille in Ligue 1. He scored five goals in seven games.

“I think David has been maybe the best or one of the best strikers in Europe in the last two months,” Marsch said.

Either way, Canada is lucky to have two players in excellent form playing in two of Europe's best leagues.

“We're happy to have these two guys,” Marsch said.

Article content