International Break: Canada Gets First Win of 2018

Canada started off their 2018 season under new head coach John Herdman Saturday March 24th with a 1-0 win against New Zealand. Tosaint Ricketts scored in the 54th minute after bringing down a long cross and getting a high shot over the keeper. Ricketts, who plays with Toronto FC, netted his 16th goal of his career for Canada; this puts him in 4th place tied with Alex Bunbury for most goals scored for the nation. The 30 year-old will look to reach the record held by Dwayne De Rosario at 22 goals in the CONCACAF Nations League.

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Impact players Samuel Piette, Michael Petrasso and Raheem Edwards all played in the game. Piette and Petrasso both started the game for Canada. Petrasso unfortunately left the game in the 45th minute with an injury. The extent of the injury was not released yet. Petrasso who played in all the games for the Impact up to now established himself into the lineup. Chris Duvall, the next man up, has not succeed in a 3-5-2 but he could possibly get ahead with a few good performances if the Petrasso injury is serious. For once the Impact is not in an impossible situation due to an injury, they have some depth. Piette played a very good game solidifying the midfield, he had a very defensive role in the game as New Zealand put Canada under some pressure especially in the first 45. Edwards came into the game in the 70th minute but did not get many opportunities to make something of.

The other international call up for the Impact Saphir Taider of Algeria was not used in a 4-1 win against Tanzania. Algeria has another game on on Tuesday against Iran.

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