Canada's fate in this match may have been sealed in the first half, but some substitutions stood out for the spark they provided in the second half.
Tesho Akindele was held off until late in the match, but when he did he managed to create a chance. Otherwise, there was a good amount of frustration up and down the roster as Canada only managed one shot on target - and it was by a defender outside the penalty area.
Starting XI
Milan Borjan(6) - Nearly stopped Mexico’s first-half penalty kick, before being forced off just before the break with a hand injury.
Marcel de Jong (5.5) - Provided more solidity down the flank than in Friday’s game.
Doneil Henry (5) - Conceded an early penalty from his unfamiliar fullback position, but recovered as the game went on.
Manjrekar James (5.5) - Thrust into a massive spot in just his fourth senior-team start, didn’t get lost in the moment as might have been feared.
Dejan Jakovic (5.5) - Looked sharper than on Friday (albeit against an amended Mexico lineup).
Nik Ledgerwood (5.5) - Provided a bit of energy on the right wing and did what he could to help on the defensive side.
Junior Hoilett (6) - Canada’s main threat on the rare occasion the team pressed forward in numbers; frustratingly played numerous short corners (coach’s orders?).
Atiba Hutchinson (5.5) - Playing a more defense-minded role than on Friday, broke up a few Mexico attacks.
Julian de Guzman (5) - A customary night’s work in the middle of Canada’s midfield; helped keep things calm in difficult conditions.
Will Johnson (5) - As in Friday’s game at BC Place, didn’t put a definitive stamp on the game, one way or another.
Cyle Larin (5) - As often happens with the national team, left largely alone up top; pursued the play well but was struggling by game’s end.
Subs
Kenny Stamatopoulos (6) - Forced into action in Borjan’s place, faced few serious threats and was blameless on Jesus Corona’s sparkling strike.
Samuel Piette (5) - Held firm in front of the defensive line as a second-half sub for de Guzman, against a team that had taken its foot off the gas.
Tesho Akindele (6) - Once again coming on as a late sub, provided a bit of spark and created a half-decent scoring chance in the final minutes.
