In case you missed it, here are the highlights from Tuesday evening’s international friendly between Canada and Costa Rica at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium.
The result
Costa Rica earned a slim 1-0 win in the Canadians’ final game before this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. Columbus Crew forward Jairo Arrieta converted from the penalty spot in the 15th minute for Costa Rica after Canadian midfielder Samuel Piette was called for a foul inside the 18-yard box.
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The main talking points
1. Positive signs: Canada’s rebuilding process continued in Edmonton, with interim coach Colin Miller’s young side putting in a solid performance in a losing effort against Costa Rica. Based on the experience and quality of players on display, Canada appeared on paper to be overmatched by los Ticos. But the Reds looked tight and well-organized in defence, giving away very little and limiting Costa Rica to only half chances – although the visitors had a legitimate goal ruled out for a non-existent foul in the second half. Canada kept its defensive shape for most of the match, and only on a few occasions were the hosts caught ball-watching and exposed by their opponents. Canada has used this year’s series of friendly games as a chance to blood their youth and give their more inexperienced players more playing time. Miller had to have been impressed by the play of Ashtone Morgan, who put in a solid shift at left back, and Toronto FC youngster Kyle Bekker, who delivered a few dangerous balls into the box and showed off his playmaking skills. It’s going to be a long time before we see consistent positive results on the field. Patience will be required, and it’s silly to think things were going to change overnight. Baby steps like this one, even though it was a loss, are needed for the team to build upon and serve as a marker of improvement for the next game. One step at a time – that’s the only way this team will get better.
2. Edwini-Bonsu impresses: Coming off a solid outing in a friendly loss to Japan in March, forward Randy Edwini-Bonsu put in a man-of-the-match effort against Costa Rica, and certainly did more than enough to earn a recall. The Edmonton youngster displayed blistering pace and a deft touch on the ball, and was easily Canada’s most creative and dangerous player, causing plenty of problems for Costa Rica’s defence. What was most encouraging was the way he created chances for himself, dropping back deep into midfield to pick up the ball, instead of just waiting for service. What was also great to see from a Canadian perspective was the fearlessness he displayed in taking players on directly in one-on-one situations. Canada’s attack has lacked a cutting edge and often looked stagnant in recent years, which is why the dynamic and insightful play of Edwini-Bonsu is so refreshing. He’s far from the finished product, needing to improve his finishing skills and delivery of crosses into the box. But if can continue to develop at a steady rate, he could be a dangerous option for Canada for years to come.
3. Still room for improvement: It wouldn’t be a game involving the Canadian men’s team if we didn’t end up talking about squandered scoring opportunities. There were more than a few on the night, with Henry, Issey Nakajima-Farran and Andre Hainault all failing to convert chances that they should have buried. Miller told Sportsnet at half time that he was delighted with the effort and performance of his team, but he bemoaned the poor finishing and delivery into the box of his players. It was a problem that persisted in the second half, as Canada furiously pressed for an equalizer in the final 10 minutes to no avail. Playing teams close isn’t good enough. Canada has to start threatening their opponents, and until it can put away its scoring chances with regularity, they’ll always be chasing games. Also, Canada has to become more disciplined. Youngster Samuel Piette was called for a foul inside the box when he swiped for the ball and took out Arrieta. It was a bit of a soft decision, but there was contact and referees have made those calls before. More importantly, there was no need for Piette to go in for the ball like he did, as teammate Andre Hainault was well placed defensively to deal with the danger. Both sides were reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute when Christopher Meneses and Canadian defender Nik Ledgerwood scuffled near the corner. Meneses clearly shoved Ledgerwood in the face, which is an automatic red card. But instead of walking away, Ledgerwood remained in the fracas and also earned an expulsion. Quite what Canada could have done with the man advantage, we’ll never know.
Facts and stats
– Nine players on this Costa Rica squad were a part of the team that defeated Jamaica 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier on March 26.
– Canada has lost three in a row and is winless in its last six overall (fives losses and one draw). The Reds’ previous win came on Oct. 12 when they defeated Cuba 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Toronto.
– This was Colin Miller’s third game in charge of Canada this year as interim manager. He coached the team for a pair of friendlies back in January – a 4-0 loss to Denmark in Arizona and a 0-0 draw with the United States in Houston.
– Canada last faced Costa Rica in a 2-2 draw at the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup and has a record of four wins, seven draws and eight losses versus los Ticos dating back to 1985.
– The last time Canada played in Edmonton was in October of 2008 when it drew Mexico 2-2 in a World Cup qualifying match.
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Save of the day
In the 26th minute, Canadian forward Randy Edwini-Bonsu made a run from deep in midfield and burst into the penalty area as he blew by a Costa Rican defender at full speed. But goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton did very well to come and cut the angle, making himself big to deny Edwini-Bonsu with a fine body block save.
Goal of the day
There was only one to choose from, but Jairo Arrieta delivered the perfect penalty kick, driving a powerful and high shot that Canadian ‘keeper Milan Borjan had no chance of stopping
Burning questions
Will Colin Miller be in charge of Canada when it competes at this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup?
If Canada is so focused on giving youngsters playing time, why did Miller decide to start experienced goalkeeper Milan Borjan instead of Haidar Al-Shaïbani, who has just one cap to his credit?
Did any of Canada’s young prospects do enough Wednesday night to earn another call-up?
Canada’s 3 stars
1) Randy Edwini-Bonsu: The young forward was Canada’s most dangerous and creative player on the night, using his incredible speed and penetrating runs to keep Costa Rica’s defence honest.
2) Andre Hainault: He did a very good job of anchoring a young back line that included Doneil Henry and Ashtone Morgan, and even managed to get forward in attack a few times.
3) Issey Nakajima-Farran: He ran himself ragged in midfield for the Canadian cause, and really distinguished himself in chasing down balls and closing down opposing players to win back possession.
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