Jozy Altidore scored with a header in the 89th minute as the US wrapped up their annual year-opening camp with a 1-0 victory over Canada in an international friendly on Friday.
Altidore converted a cross from substitute Ethan Finlay on the left flank, splitting defenders Samuel Adekugbe and Doneil Henry for his second goal in two matches.
Altidore scored his 33rd international goal, moving one behind Eric Wynalda in third place on the US all-time scorers list.
Photo: AFP
Goalkeeper David Bingham posted a shutout on his debut as the US followed up their 3-2 victory over Iceland last Sunday by largely dominating play in front of a small, but enthusiastic crowd of 9,274.
In the US’ last scheduled match before resuming FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifying in Guatemala on March 25, coach Jurgen Klinsmann largely chose a lineup of veterans in front of Bingham.
The US had numerous good chances, before Altidore finally broke through as Montreal Impact goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made several outstanding stops for Canada.
Photo: AFP
The US have not lost at home to Canada since July 6, 1957.
Klinsmann split his camp roster between veterans and nine regulars from the Under-23 squad. On the same day the senior team plays Guatemala, the youngsters face Colombia in a two-legged playoff for the final spot in this year’s Rio de Janeiro Olympics men’s soccer tournament.
With European-based players and other MLS veterans allowed to stay home from a game not on the FIFA fixture schedule, several youngsters capitalized on their opportunities.
Bingham, a Bay Area native and San Jose Earthquakes regular, became the seventh goalkeeper to play for Klinsmann since February last year.
Stanford defender Brandon Vincent made his first appearance as a substitute at the start of the second half, becoming the sixth US player to make his debut in the two international friendlies played this year.
The US attack applied pressure early and often. Altidore got off an early shot that ricocheted off the post twice while Crepeau barely saved it, while Steven Birnbaum’s point-blank header was stopped in the 25th minute.
Jordan Morris, starting up front with Altidore, attempted to loft an arching shot over Crepeau after a pass from Altidore later in the first half. The Seattle Sounders player could not hit the target.
Altidore barely missed the net with a curling free-kick in the 81st minute and Crepeau just about recovered two minutes later when Altidore chipped another chance over his head.
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