Associated Press
Associated Press
TORONTO — The United States men’s team played out a 0-0 draw against Canada on Sunday, failing to convert a couple of strong chances in its third friendly in eight days.
Clarence Goodson attempted a header off a free kick during stoppage time, but Canada goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld knocked the ball over the bar. Goodson also missed a close opportunity early on, shooting wide to the left.
The United States stretched its unbeaten streak against its northern neighbors to 15 games in its first game in Canada since Roy Wegerle had two goals in a 3-0 victory in World Cup qualifying on Nov. 9, 1997, in Vancouver.
“I think the first half we were doing quite well in terms of possession and moving the ball around,” U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. “I think what we were lacking was in the final third failing to create more chances and getting down the end line and getting crosses in.
“The second half was more open and either team could have scored a goal, particularly in the last couple of minutes.”
Canada, which was seeking its first win against the U.S. since a 2-0 victory in Vancouver on April 2, 1985, also had a strong chance during stoppage time, but substitute Simeon Jackson failed to connect after collecting a pass from Dwayne De Rosario.
While the U.S. team has been busy lately, the Canadians played together for the first time since a 3-1 loss to Armenia in February.
“Overall, two different halves for us,” Canada coach Stephen Hart said. “In the first half we showed good discipline, good organization but we were a little sloppy with the ball at times and a little bit, too, maybe nervous.
“But I was very pleased with the way we played in the second half.”
The Americans beat Scotland 5-1 on May 26, then lost to Brazil 4-1 on Wednesday.
Klinsmann had both Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey in the starting lineup on Sunday for the first time since he took over last July, and the U.S. controlled most of the early action. Jermaine Jones’ shot was blocked in the second minute and Goodson missed about a minute later.
The Canadians then settled in and began to do some attacking of their own. De Rosario shot wide right in the ninth minute.
Hirschfield and U.S. keeper Tim Howard were both tested in the first half. Hirschfeld tipped a shot from Edgar Castillo over the bar in the 15th minute, and Howard denied Tosaint Ricketts eight minutes later.
Nik Ledgerwood put the ball into the top left corner of the U.S. goal in the 34th minute but it was disallowed because of an earlier foul.