This Sunday, Canada secured a 1-0 victory in their friendly match against Guatemala at BMO Stadium. The deadlock was finally broken in the 65th minute when Jacen Russell Rowe found the back of the net, heading the ball past goalkeeper Kenderson Navarro Hernández after a well-placed cross.
Jacen Russell Rowe’s performance not only clinched the win for Canada but also earned him the title of Man of the Match, showcasing his striking abilities with a crucial goal.
Another standout for Canada was goalkeeper Luka Gavran, who delivered an impressive performance and kept a clean sheet against the Guatemalan attackers.
Head coach Jesse Marsch opted for a 4-4-2 formation, featuring James Pantemis in goal; a defensive line of Jonathan Osorio, Kamal Miller, Zorhan Bassong, and Richie Laryea; a midfield that included Shola Jimoh, Ralph Priso, Mathieu Choiniere, and Jayden Nelson; and forwards Jacen Russell Rowe and Rayan Elloumi.
On the other side, Guatemala, led by Luis Tena, deployed a 4-3-3 formation with Kenderson Navarro guarding the net; José Ardón, José Pinto, Nicolás Samayoa, and José Morales forming the defense; a midfield trio of Jonathan Franco, Rudy Muñoz, and Óscar Castellanos; and an attacking front featuring Marvin Ávila, Darwin Lom, and Oscar Santis.
Substitutions for Canada
63’ 2T – Jonathan Osorio replaced by Tiago Coimbra, Shola Jimoh replaced by Malik Henry, and Rayan Elloumi replaced by Jeevan Badwal.
71’ 2T – Ralph Priso substituted for Noah Abatneh, Darwin Lom replaced by Jefry Bantes, and Zorhan Bassong substituted by Jankeele Marshall-Rutty.
81’ 2T – Jayden Nelson replaced by Marius Aiyenero, Richie Laryea substituted for Matteo de Brienne, and James Pantemis replaced by Luka Gavran.
Yellow Cards for Canada:
20’ 1T – Ralph Priso, 42’ 2T – Matteo de Brienne.
Substitutions for Guatemala
45’ 2T – Jonathan Franco replaced by Kevin Ramírez, Rudy Muñoz replaced by Damian Rivera, Oscar Santis substituted for Matthew Evans, and Marvin Ávila replaced by José Rosales.
Yellow Cards for Guatemala:
25’ 1T – Nicolás Samayoa, 27’ 2T – José Rosales.