Canada beats Chile 1-0 as Jonathan David scores

Jonathan David's early goal gave Canada a 1-0 win over Chile in a Toronto friendly disrupted by two Chilean red cards.

By Marco Benedetti
NASA astronaut Scott Kelly took this aurora image over Canada on Jan. 21, 2016
NASAPublic domainWikimedia Commons

Jonathan David scored in the 11th minute to give Canada an early lead over Chile at Toronto's BMO Field, Emol's match account reported. He finished with his left foot from close range after Lawrence Vigouroux saved Cyle Larin's effort and Canada recovered the rebound.

Canada's early lead

Canada controlled much of the opening period and attacked through the wings. Chile goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux made several saves to keep the deficit to one goal. Dayne St. Clair also denied Gonzalo Tapia and Darío Osorio chances to equalize.

Chile's task became harder when Lucas Cepeda was sent off in the 34th minute after an altercation with Richie Laryea. Gabriel Suazo then received a second yellow card early in the second half. Chile played the rest of the match with nine players.

Canada created more chances after the dismissals. Vigouroux stopped efforts from Promise David and Stephen Eustaquio. Richie Laryea hit the post late in the match. Chile still threatened through Ben Brereton Díaz, Francisco Salinas and Maximiliano Gutiérrez, but St. Clair kept a clean sheet.

Canada changes its attack

Canada made a notable attacking change in the second half when Promise David replaced Jonathan David. Promise David later received a yellow card. Junior Hoilett entered late for his final appearance with Canada's national team, according to Sportsnet. Hoilett was 36 and had been called up for a farewell match in his hometown.

The result gave Jesse Marsch's team a win in its first friendly since the 2026 World Cup. Canada won its first match in World Cup history at that tournament and reached the round of 16 before losing 3-0 to Morocco on July 4 in Houston.

Chile's next match

Chile entered the friendly under interim coach Nicolás Córdova after missing the 2026 World Cup. The match was part of a new cycle for both teams, with Canada seeking to build on its World Cup run and Chile testing players during a period of renewal.

Chile will play the United States next Tuesday in St. Louis. Canada will next face Peru on Oct. 3 in Montreal and the United States on Oct. 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Sources (7)

  1. emol.comemol.com
  2. marca.commarca.com
  3. swissinfo.chswissinfo.ch
  4. espn.com.mxespn.com.mx
  5. espn.comespndeportes.espn.com
  6. yahoo.comes-us.noticias.yahoo.com
  7. sportsnet.casportsnet.ca