Depleted Canadians Fall To Mexico

Despite being undermanned due to injury, Canada improved in its performance but it wasn’t good enough as they lost to Mexico 2-0 in Group A play of the Gold Cup.  A goal late in the first half by Raul Jimenez and a controversial penalty conversion by Marco Fabian was difference in front of the crowd of more than 28,000 at Century Link Field in Seattle.

It was clear that Mexico would start on the front foot as they maintained the majority of possession and created early chances.  An early free kick by Fabian forced keeper Milan Borjan to punch the ball for a corner while Rafael Marquez would come close to opening the score as his flick was wide of the post.

The best chance in the first half for Canada came around the thirty minute mark when former Whitecap Marcus Haber connected on a Kyle Bekker free kick.  The header by the striker looked to be heading for the net if it had not been for Mexican keeper Jonathan Orozco athletic save.

In the final minutes of the first half Mexico seemed to take control again as Fabian found himself free to shoot only to have his attempt on goal kicked out by Borjan.   However on the ensuing corner Jose Enriquez was able flick the ball from the near post into the path of an unmarked Jimenez who blasted a header into the net to give Mexico the lead going into the half.

The second half looked promising for the young Canadian side as they didn’t allow many chances to Mexico.  However, they were also incapable of creating any quality chances for themselves in order to find that equalizer.

Just before the half Fabian took a pass just outside the box but seemed to go down with very little contact earning a penalty for Mexico.  Despite the objections from the Canadian players and staff, Fabian converted the penalty and doubled their lead over Canada.

There was very little to speak of after that goal as Canada was unable to create anything of significance especially in the final third.  They almost grabbed a late goal as Marcel de Jong’s free kick from just outside the box smashed off the bar.

While there was no real danger for Mexico throughout this match the team and staff had to feel a sense of relief after losing their first match to Panama.  However considering they were such heavy favourites there must be some genuine concern only beating the depleted Canadian side 2-0.

For Canada it was an improved performance by a very young squad who lost a number of players prior to this match with the biggest being their Captain, Will Johnson, who was sent home after falling ill.  One of their top offensive threats in the opening match, Russell Teibert, also fell ill and was hospitalized in the morning.

During the match Canada was able to keep their shape and were more organized against a much stronger opponent.  Unfortunately they were unable to create enough chances and the opportunities that they had were not finished.

Mexico now moves into second spot in the group with three points while Canada sits in the bottom as they look for their first points of the tournament.  Group A now moves to Colorado where Canada will attempt to get a positive result against Panama while Mexico will face Martinique.