There is one word to describe the friendly between Canada and Mexico: Chippy.
It was a 0-0 draw in Arlington, Texas. After the win over the United States on Saturday in Kansas City, it is a good September window for Jesse Marsch’s side.
There was a lot to be encouraged about from these two games. In this game, it is kind of hard to process and break down because not a lot happened. However, we’ll still go over this game.
Chippy game
This game was full of fouls. Mexico has 24 fouls and Canada ended up with 19. In the first half, the fouls were 12 to two.
Mexico had three yellow cards and so did Canada. In the first half, Mexico made it their mission to make the hardest tackles on Canada. It felt like there was a foul every five seconds. While Canada was pressing and moving the ball well, Mexico’s game plan was to give out the hardest tackles possible and play the long ball. Though there were some tackles that should have been bookings.
However, Canada did not let the rough stuff to them. It didn’t seem to throw them off one bit. Sure, Mexico got a few chances in the second half, but Dayne St. Clair made some solid saves.
Cyle Larin, Ali Ahmed and Richie Laryea are among those who impressed.
If there is one negative from this game for Canada, is that they didn’t score. Actually, they only managed one shot on target. That was Cyle Larin’s shot late in the first half.
Speaking of Larin, he had a decent game. He looked good with the ball and made some good runs but unfortutaney, he and the rest of the team couldn’t create scoring chances.
Ali Ahmed and Richie Laryea also did wek. They showed off their pace with the balls and did a good job of drawing fouls. Once again, Ahmed’s passing down the right side excelled and it looked like he was Canada’s best player on the pitch. As for Laryea, he was his usual tenacious self.
It is also worth noting that Canada’s attack primarily went through Liam Millar and Alphonso Davies on the left side. Davies had another strong showing which included a big block late in the second half. That’s why he’s one of, if not, the best left-back in the world.
Niko Sigur makes his Canada debut
Last month, Niko Sigur switched allegiances from Croatia to Canada. On Tuesday evening, the Burnaby, BC native made his first cap for Canada.
He only played 13 minutes and got a yellow card. But he won two out of his three duels and managed one interception and one pass into the final third. It turns out he has some pace to him as well. It was good to see him make his debut.
Wrap up
Canada plays Panama on October 15. For the first time in forever, they will play on home soil and that will be played at Toronto’s BMO Field. Kickoff for that one is at 4:30 pm Pacific. Let’s hope that one isn’t as chippy.