Canada's men's national team controlled possession for most of the match but nonetheless started the 2015 season with a 2-1 loss to Iceland Friday at the University of Central Florida sports complex.
The 33rd ranked Iceland opened the scoring in the sixth minute and doubled their lead just before halftime, taking a 2-0 lead into the break. Dwayne De Rosario responded for Canada in the 70th minute when he headed in a Maxim Tissot cross, but it wasn’t enough as Canada fell just short in the international friendly.
“We played, in my opinion, we played well,” said Canada head coach Benito Floro. “We conceded two goals. But we played very well, I think, by having several chances of goals.”
Floro also pointed to the fact that most of the players at his disposal for this camp were only beginning their season, and that their physical preparedness could’ve played a part in tonight’s result.
Canada will get a second chance to test its wit against the same Iceland squad this coming on Monday at 1 p.m. PT. Note that the Red and White are preparing for this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup run and the start of their 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifiers journey that will begin in June.
WHITECAPS FC WATCH
- Caleb Clarke: Subbed on in the 71st minute, earning his second cap with the senior national team.
- Russell Teibert: Made his fifth start and ninth appearance for the senior national team, playing 56 minutes.
