Game in a sentence
Dwayne De Rosario’s record setting goal lifts Canada past Panama in a chippy, yet exhilarating affair at a raucous BMO field.
Observations
- Stephen Hart chose not to tinker with a defensive quartet that was effective in Canada’s match against Honduras two months ago. Simeon Jackson was favoured over Tosaint Rickets on the right flank and Lars Hirschfeld returned to the starting lineup after serving a one match ban due to his red card in Cuba. Surprisingly Patrice Bernier – August MLS player of the month – was left on the bench to begin.
- Canada were the dominant side in the first half. The combination of Jackson and Olivier Occean was impressive throughout with the Norwich City man carrying over his strong club performance to the national team. Atiba Hutchinson – when healthy – is a dynamo. The high tempo game suited the PSV midfielder well- Hutchinson won the ball and moved forward consistently.
- Canada should’ve been ahead after the first 45. Captain Kevin McKenna came agonizingly close to opening the scoring in 37th minute, hitting the post with a header off of an excellent delivery from Will Johnson. Panama’s inability to adequately defend set pieces was glaring.
- Referee Jeffrey Solis had his hands full all night. While it’s become common place to bemoan CONCACAF officiating – it’s still quite terrible – neither side made it easy for Solis. A total of five cautions were given in the first half. A dust up between Dwayne De Rosario and Alberto Quintero late in the half could’ve been devastating for Canada if this game was played in Panama – you know what I mean. Quintero’s histrionics rightfully drew the ire of an excellent crowd at BMO. The chippy play towards the end of the half effectively killed any momentum Canada may have gained from a strong beginning.
- Panama’s first chances of the match came early in the second half. Lax defending compounded by a crater sized hole in the Canadian midfield allowed the Panamanians numerous opportunities – with FC Dallas striker Blas Perez the most threatening amongst them.
- Canada stemmed the tide. After an agonizing 15 minutes, the game began to settle down. Memories of the 0-0 draw against Honduras began reemerge as neither side looked liked they had a goal in them. Panama was content to play for the draw – a strategy fraught with danger.
- In the 76th minute the futility of said strategy was proven once again. A probing run from Jackson down the right flank drew a free kick just inches away from the touchline. The ensuing free kick was taken without hesitation by Hutchinson, who found an unmarked De Rosario in the box. 1-0 Canada. That’s the stuff you cannot teach. While Panama’s defenders slowly jogged into position Hutchinson caught them napping. It was the type of goal jaded Canadian supporters expected to concede.
- 14 minutes away from a disastrous result, Canada comes away with a crucial three points in their quest for the Hex. The contributions of Hutchinson, Jackson and De Rosario were enormous. Was this the biggest game in Canadian Men’s soccer history? Frankly, it doesn’t matter. Each game moving forward becomes the biggest. While this result is fantastic it will mean little if Canada fails to play a quality game in Panama on Tuesday night. There will be time to contemplate that fixture in the days ahead. For Canadian supporters, this is a night to savour.
Three Stars
1. Atiba Hutchinson
2. Simeon Jackson
3. Dwayne De Rosario
The old quick free kick eh!?
Props for listed AH as the number #1 star. It would be so easy to place DeRo there since he was the lone goal scorer. But AH dominated that midfield. He is a stud and must be fit if Canada aspires to advance. I thought Panama had more of the play in the 2nd half until the goal and Canada was lucky to get 3 points and not 1. So pumped for the matches ahead.
AH dominated that midfield.
AH was a class above in this match..Jackson also showed he deserves to be playing in the premier league with a strong performance
I thought jackson had a weak start to the match, and struggled offensively during some of his 1 v 1 battles. As the match wore on, you could see he made adjustments to the defence and had more success dribbling passed defenders (crosses still need some work). Also, De Guzman i thought had an exceptional match, showing once again that he’s way to good for the MLS.
De Guzman should still be playing in Spain. His style does not fit in MLS.
Are you serious? he was horrible. Especially late in the match when Canada was defending a lead he kept giving the ball away and conceding needless fouls.
I hardly ever see De Guzman concede a needless foul. Most of the time he picks up a yellow because he will hault a counter attack. He’s integral to our team. Who’d you rather see in there Dunfield?
De Guzman’s skills on the ball are his strength. He moved the ball simply and safely and dribbled out of trouble a couple of times with some nifty tight turns. His marking in the second half was a little pedestrian at times, no closing down as quickly as he should and failing track back on his opponent during a give and go.
Hutchinson was the best midfielder on the field, proving to be a box to box presence, especially with his excellent back tracking to support the defence. He’s the only guy on the team who’s truly “integral.” Everyone else is a role player with a specific skill set (though De Ro can conjure something out of nothing at times).
I think Bernier has had a fine season in the holding role for Montreal and could do the same job for us as does JDG. The only guy who’s integral, as mentioned, is Hutch.
I think JDG did pretty well. He was more of the stay at home guy while Hutchinson and Johnson tried to push forward.
I thought Dero and Jackson were very weak throughout the match. I feel Ricketts should get the start over Jackson in Panama. Dero must stay on but he has to step up his game, he may have scored but that was all AH. Also Will Johnson has to calm down as he was all over the place that game.
BUT …..
Canada showed me they can step up when it counts hopefully this continues into Panama!
I would start Jackson again personally. I like Ricketts but he looked much better because he’s really fast and everyone else was tired.
Canada showed true dedication and persistance throughout the match. AH as definitely MotM. Jackson was slow during the first third of the match, just taking one too many touches when he 1 v 1 against Panama defenders. But picked up near the end prior to his substitution. Everything changed after Ricketts came on, more pace and strength down the side. I see Ricketts getting the start of Jakson. Congrats to DeRo in getting his 20th goal for Canada. But in the end it is still the same problem with the CanMNT: can’t finish! We should have been up 2-0 at half but we can’t put it in the net when needed. Two goals in three matches is a little disconcerting. Should be a good game in Panama City on Tuesday.
the end prior to his substitution.