Canada concluded their October international window vs. Colombia on Tuesday evening at Sports Illustrated Stadium, home of the New York Red Bulls.
Canada delivered a strong performance Tuesday, holding 13th-ranked Colombia to a 0-0 draw in an international friendly.
The 26th-ranked Canadian men were competitive throughout, with midfielder Stephen Eustaquio and winger Tajon Buchanan leading the charge. Despite the solid display, Canada coach Jesse Marsch felt the team could have pushed harder.
“I think it was a good performance, not a great performance,” Marsch said. “Most of the game we were in fourth or fifth gear. We could have gone into sixth gear.”
He added, “We are capable of winning games like this and being better in these moments.”
Tight Game with Few Chances
Scoring opportunities were limited for both sides. Colombia slightly outshot Canada 6-4, but each team had only one shot on target. Fouls were frequent, with 38 called overall, including 23 in the first half. American referee Guido Gonzales Jr., named 2024 U.S. Soccer Male Referee of the Year, managed the busy match.
Canada came into the game following a 1-0 loss to No. 25 Australia. Despite struggles in that match, the Canadians bounced back, with Niko Sigur redeeming himself after a defensive error against the Socceroos.
Marsch highlighted positives despite the scoreless result. “I’m happy with the progress,” he said. “I want to see more quality in crucial moments.”
Key Moments and Missed Opportunities
Buchanan created Canada’s first major chance in the 28th minute. His long-range shot forced a diving save from Colombian goalkeeper Álvaro Montero. The ball came after Tani Oluwaseyi disrupted Richard Rios to set up the play.
Colombia threatened in the second half. Luis Diaz nearly scored in the 57th minute, but his effort went just wide. Canada’s Jonathan David netted a goal in the 76th minute, only for it to be ruled offside involving Jacob Shaffelburg. Video review was not available.
Late in the game, Colombia pushed hard. Substitute Rafael Santos Borré headed a ball narrowly wide in the 88th minute. In stoppage time, Richie Laryea made a crucial tackle, blocking a shot that struck the post. Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair may have touched it. St. Clair recorded his ninth clean sheet in 18 international appearances, competing with Max Crepeau for the starting role.
Lineup Changes and Player Highlights
Marsch made four changes from the previous lineup. Eustaquio, Oluwaseyi, St. Clair, and defender Luc de Fougerolles started. Eustaquio wore the captain’s armband.
Colombian star Diaz captained initially, later passing the armband to James Rodríguez after entering in the second half. Laryea impressed defensively, though he received a caution in the 12th minute for fouling Diaz.
Canada introduced Liam Millar, Shaffelburg, Promise David, Zorhan Bassong, and Mathieu Choiniere in the second half.
Looking Ahead
Canada played in front of a pro-Colombian crowd at Sports Illustrated Stadium, home of the New York Red Bulls. The friendly was the first of three consecutive games against South American opponents.
Canada closes its 2025 campaign with matches against No. 24 Ecuador on Nov. 13 at BMO Field in Toronto, and No. 49 Venezuela on Nov. 18 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The team currently sits 6-2-4 for the year, including two draws lost via penalty shootouts.
Colombia came into the game on a hot streak, having recently thrashed No. 14 Mexico 4-0. They remain unbeaten in six of their last matches and have already qualified for next year’s World Cup.
Historically, Canada is 1-2-1 against Colombia. Their lone win came in the 2000 Gold Cup final, 2-0, while the other matches ended in defeats.
