LAUDERHILL, Fla. – It was a one-sided game in every respect except on the scoreboard as Canada dominated their friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday, coming away with a 2-0 win.
Tosaint Ricketts, who is still without a club team at the moment, caused troubles all night and fittingly scored the winner in the 57th minute. Real Salt Lake's Will Johnson then scored a penalty with just a few minutes left as Canada tallied twice in a game for the first time since they beat St. Kitts and Nevis 4-0 at BMO Field in November of last year.
Canada opened the scoring when substitute Marcel de Jong, who had come on at halftime for Chivas USA defender Ante Jazic, crossed a ball in from the left side to Ricketts, alone in acres of space on the right corner of the 18-yard box.
Some shoddy Trinidad defending gave Ricketts time to control the ball, look up and unleash a powerful right-footed shot that left Trinidad goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams flat-footed. It was Ricketts’ third career international goal.
It was his just reward as Ricketts had caused trouble all evening. He had the first chance of the night just five minutes in when Houston Dynamo defender Andrew Hainault played him in on the right side, but his tight-angle shot was stopped by Williams.
Ricketts was at it again in the 35th minute when he once again found space after brilliantly shrugging off two Trinidad defenders before unleashing a rocket of a shot that hit the post.
Canada’s second came off some hard work by Vancouver Whitecaps youngster Russell Teibert on his full international debut. The young midfielder was impressive as a second half substitute, giving the Trinidad backline headaches. He eventually played in Johnson, who put in a cross that struck a hand of a Trinidad defender for the penalty.
Williams guessed right, but Johnson’s penalty was too powerful and the second goal of the night gave Canada the breathing room they deserved.
Canada will be back in World Cup qualifying action next month when they face Panama twice.
