Thursday, November 21, 2024
Brock's Only Independent Student Newspaper
One of the only worker-owned and operated newspapers in Canada

David’s late goal gives Canada win over Panama in home return 

|
|

It was a celebratory return to Canadian soil for the senior men’s national team on Oct. 15, defeating Panama 2-1 in an international friendly in Toronto, playing in their first home match of 2024. 

Jonathan David’s 87th-minute goal stood as the winner, as the 24-year-old striker continues his impressive run — scoring his fourth goal in his last eight games for Canada — which includes a pair of goals at this summer’s Copa America where the Canadians finished fourth. 

“It felt really good, especially with not a lot of time left,” said David after the game. “Obviously, we wanted to win here; it’s been a long time since we’ve been here, so I think it was important for us to win and I’m happy that I got the goal.” 

David’s winning goal which was the 30th of his international career, tied teammate Cyle Larin for most in the history of the men’s national team, who also scored his 30th Canadian goal in the game. 

After a successful Canadian press forced a Panamanian turnover, Ali Ahmed found an open Larin in the box who roofed it past goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera — who made eight saves in the match — to give the Canadians the 1-0 lead in the 44th minute. 

“Cyle (Larin) is in a good way in his career right now. He plays more at Mallorca (in Spain’s La Liga), scoring at Mallorca, he’s a bigger part of what they’re doing,” said head coach Jesse Marsch, who was coaching his first home game in Canada as the leader of the men’s program. 

Marsch’s philosophy since becoming head coach of the national team in May 2024, has been to develop younger players in anticipation of the CONCACAF Gold Cup next summer and ultimately the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will be co-hosted by Canada

In fulfilling his mission, Jamie Knight-Lebel, Kwasi Poku and Santiago Lopez were all named to the Canadian squad for the first time, with Poku — who formerly played at Hamilton’s Forge FC of the Canadian Premier League — making his international debut off the bench. 

“It was a great feeling to get my debut but an even better feeling to get the win,” said Poku. “It was definitely physically demanding.” 

The match’s physical nature and intensity picked up in the second half, especially with Panama’s Jose Fajardo levelling the game at one in the 69th minute after a turnover in the midfield by Canada. 

But despite the miscue, Marsch remains positive, using the match as a lesson for his young squad as they prepare for the games ahead. 

“It was nice to see that when the game wasn’t so easy, we rose to the challenge,” added Marsch. “We actually got better after it was 1-1, and I thought that was our best stretch of the game.” 

The Canadians outshot Panama 15-6 in the match with 10 shots on goal compared to Panama’s one and controlled 54 per cent of the possession. 

Canada now has two wins and a draw in their past three international friendlies since Copa America, beating the United States 2-1 on Sept. 7 and drawing 0-0 with Mexico on Sept. 10, as they now rank second in CONCACAF — behind Mexico and ahead of the U.S. — approaching the November international window. 

In that window, the Canadians will face Suriname (seventh-ranked in CONCACAF) in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Nations League with the first leg on Nov. 14 in Suriname and the second leg in Toronto on Nov. 19. 

For more information on the Canadian men’s senior national team, head to canadasoccer.com.  

More by this author

RELATED ARTICLES

Badgers Women’s basketball dominates with fourth consecutive win  

The Badger Women’s basketball team is on fire, claiming their fourth consecutive victory with an impressive 73-59 win over the Waterloo Warriors on Nov. 9 at the Bob Davis Gym.  

How A.I. is transforming the world of sports

Artificial intelligence (A.I.) is gradually becoming a part of our everyday lives, shaping how we work and communicate. In the world of sports, A.I. has taken on an increasingly vital role, transforming everything from player performance analysis to injury prevention and fan engagement. As A.I. technology continues to advance, its impact on sports is expected to grow, changing the game for athletes, coaches and fans.  

Climate change threatens the future of outdoor sports  

As climate change intensifies with each passing year, its impacts are reaching deeper into every corner of our lives, including the world of outdoor sports. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events is beginning to reshape how and where these sports can be played.  

Maya Turner continues making history becoming first woman named Canada West Football All-Star 

Maya Turner’s inspirational story continues to be written, achieving another accolade being named as a 2024 Canada West All-Star, becoming the first woman to earn football all-star honours in any U Sports conference. 

Heyes and the Badgers shine from three in win over Waterloo 

The Brock Badgers men’s basketball team beat the Waterloo Warriors 78-66 on Nov. 9, dominating from the three-point line at the Bob Davis Gymnasium. 

Football’s hidden dangers to players’ health  

As one of the world’s most popular sports, American football comes with high stakes that extend beyond the game. The intensity and physical demand put players at significant risk for injuries, many of which have lasting, life-altering impacts — with brain injury being one of the worst.  

Racism Black athletes face in sports today  

In the world of sports, media coverage often shines brightest on athletes’ accomplishments, yet for Black athletes, it frequently casts a shadow of bias and scrutiny based solely on race.  

Tradition or appropriation? Chiefs face cultural critique

Despite the Kansas City Chiefs’ impressive run this NFL season, the team’s legacy is clouded by controversy that rarely makes headlines.