Playing its first match under new head coach John Herdman, Canada defeated New Zealand 1-0 Saturday afternoon in an international friendly played amid gusty winds at Pinatar Arena in Murcia, Spain.
Toronto FC forward Tosaint Ricketts scored the lone goal when he got on the end of a 60-yard pass from LAFC defender Dejan Jakovic out of the back and took his first-time shot well over New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe.
New Zealand were unfortunate not to score in the first half when forward Michael McGlinchey hit the post twice within a minute.
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Goals
- 54' – CAN – Tosaint Ricketts
Three Things
MOMENT OF THE MATCH:
With the winds gusting heavily towards the south goal, Canada's captain Jakovic lifted a long ball from his own end that sailed over the New Zealand defense and onto the path of Ricketts, who patiently waited for the right bounce before putting away his chance.