It’s always nice when your neighbors invite you over for a party, which is exactly why the United States national team will head north of the border on June 3 for the first time since 1997 to take on Canada at BMO Field in Toronto as part of that nation's Centenary celebrations.
The match, which will be televised live in the US on NBC Sports Network at 7 pm ET, will also serve as the final tune-up for both squads ahead of the third round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.
“First of all, we are honored to be chosen to be part of Canada's Centenary celebration,” US head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said in a statement. “This is exactly the type of challenge we are looking for as we grow the team and get ready for the start of World Cup qualifying. There is a great history in the rivalry, and Canada is a team we could see in the final round of qualifying. It's a win-win for everybody.”
The US have had a rough go in Canada historically. The Americans have amassed a 3-6-1 record when playing on Canadian soil since 1925, but have pulled victories in their last two visits, including a 3-0 win on Nov. 9, 1997 in the final round of qualifying for the 1998 World Cup.
Since April 1985, the USMNT hasn't lost to the Canucks, ringing up an impressive 8-0-6 overall record since then. The lifetime head-to-head between the rivals stands at 13-8-9 in favor of the Americans. The North American rivals last met in group play of last summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup, a 2-0 win for the US in Detroit.
The US kick off their World Cup qualification campaign on June 8, when they face Antigua and Barbuda in Group A. Guatemala and Jamaica round out the group.
Canada also begin group play on June 8, when they travel to face Cuba. Their group also includes Honduras and Panama.
The Canadian Soccer Association also announced on Thursday that all three of Canada's home games in that phase of the competition will also be held at BMO Field: June 12 against Honduras, Sept. 7 against Panama and Oct. 12 against Cuba.
