Canada showcased a strong performance against 13th-ranked Colombia in a soccer friendly match in Harrison, N.J., ending in a scoreless draw. The Canadian men, ranked 26th, were led by midfielder Stephen Eustaquio and winger Tajon Buchanan, proving to be a formidable challenge for their South American opponents. Despite the solid display, Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch believed the team could have pushed harder to secure a victory.
Both teams had limited scoring opportunities throughout the game, with Colombia outshooting Canada 6-4, and each side managing only one shot on target. The match saw a total of 38 fouls, with the American referee Guido Gonzales Jr. overseeing a busy evening.
Canada had previously suffered a 1-0 defeat against Australia but showed improvement in their match against Colombia. Marsch expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and highlighted the need for more quality in crucial moments to convert opportunities into goals.
The game saw moments of excitement, with Buchanan forcing a save from Colombia’s goalkeeper in the first half, and Colombia’s Luis Diaz missing a chance to take the lead in the second half. Despite a late surge from Colombia, Canada’s defense held strong, with goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair making crucial saves to secure a clean sheet.
The match took place at Sports Illustrated Stadium, where the Canadian men faced a vocal pro-Colombian crowd. The team is set to play upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and Venezuela to close out their 2025 campaign.
Colombia, coming off a 4-0 victory against Mexico, has been in good form, remaining unbeaten in their previous six matches. Marsch made strategic lineup changes for the match, with Eustaquio captaining the team and Diaz leading the Colombian side.
The Canadian men, who have a historical record of 1-2-1 against Colombia, aim to build on their recent performances and continue their positive momentum in upcoming fixtures.