This was the final international window of 2025 for the Canada MNT.
Up first was 23rd-ranked Ecuador. A country that has already qualified for the World Cup. They have several talented players, including Chelsea midfield maestro Moises Caicedo, Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie, and former Vancouver Whitecap and current Pumas midfielder Pedro Vite. Ecuador was unbeaten in 13 games heading into the match at Toronto’s BMO Field.
For Canada, this was another opportunity to refine things before the World Cup. In the last window, they did not score a single goal, and that had to change.
Unfortunately, new recruit Alfie Jones wasn’t in the lineup. The Middlesbrough centre-back did not get his citizenship completed in time. But it is possible he could suit up for the next match against Venezuela.
There was no snow on the ground, but it was another big test for the Canada MNT.
First half: Ali Ahmed gets sent off, and it ruins everything
There was a scary moment just seconds into the match. Stephen Eustaquio and Caicedo clashed heads and were down for a bit. There was concern from both benches, but both seemed to be OK.
But things got worse for the Canada MNT.
Ali Ahmed challenged Ecuador right-back Alan Franco for the ball but missed it and instead made contact with Franco’s side. The tackle was reckless, but the decision to send off the Whitecaps winger was harsh. Canadian players and head coach Jesse Marsch vocally disagreed with the decision, and Ahmed expressed his frustration by slamming the grass.
Though Ahmed mistimed his attempt and made contact with Franco’s side, Franco reacted by falling to the ground theatrically. This left Canada MNT with 10 men for most of the game. It was Ahmed’s first red card for both club and country.
The Canadians were determined not to let Ahmed’s sending off affect them. Soon after, Richie Laryea played a great ball to Tani Oluwaseyi. But he was denied thanks to a great save by Ecuadorian goalkeeper Hernan Galindez. There is the argument that Oluwaseyi should’ve scored this.
To Canada’s credit, they did a good job of limiting Ecuador’s scoring chances. Eustaquio and Ismael Kone were doing a good job pressing and disrupting the Ecuadorian attack. Veteran striker Enner Valencia had Ecuador’s only chance of the game, but it was wide of Dayne St. Clair’s right side.
For the Canada MNT, it was hard to break down the Ecuadorian defence with just 10 men. Laryea made good plays from the left flank, including the pass to Oluwaseyi.
So far, it could’ve been worse.
Second half:
Ecuador then suddenly looked threatening in their attack against Canada MNT CBs Joel Waterman and Kamal Miller.
However, the Canadians were still holding their ground. Laryea was a workhouse. The Toronto FC full-back tracked back to deny the Ecuadorians a great scoring chance in the 57th minute. Laryea was also getting under Ecuador’s skin (as he always does for club and country), making good through passes, and was solid defensively.
For two teams that had many players in the top five leagues, Laryea looked like he was the best player on the pitch.
Miller and Waterman are lower on the Canada depth chart when it comes to CBs. However, the two of them were doing an excellent job with blocks and clearances.
Valencia had an excellent chance in the second half to score for Ecuador. He headed Caicedo’s beautiful cross wide of St. Clair’s left post.
Given the circumstances, a 0-0 draw is fine. The Canada MNT held their ground against a good side. They showed they can adapt to big changes in games. The Canadians pressed and defended well. Sure, that is seven straight halves without a goal is concerning, but they still have another game to break that trend.
Stat of the match
Canada held Ecuador to zero shots on target from four attempts.
Tweet of the match
With the form he is in, Laryea might as well start during Canada’s World Cup opener. Perhaps Alphonso Davies could be pushed up to the left wing?
Wrap-up
It was an impressive performance from Marsch’s side, given the circumstances.
Canada will look to figure out how to put the ball in the net against Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale. That match takes place on Thursday, and kickoff is at 5:30 pm Pacific.
