Canada take early lead over Chile in Toronto friendly
Canada and Chile met in an international friendly at BMO Field in Toronto on 26 September, with Chilean broadcaster Mega reporting that forward Jonathan David put the hosts 1-0 up in the 12th minute after goalkeeper Lawrence Vigoroux made a save that rebounded into play.
Background
Canada and Chile faced each other in a friendly match at BMO Field in Toronto on 26 September. According to Chilean broadcaster Mega, this was the opening game of Chile's tour of North America, during which the team will also play the United States (29 September) and Mexico (6 October). For Chile, the matches mark the start of its build-up toward the 2030 World Cup.
Course of the match
According to Mega, Canada controlled the game from the opening minutes and created the better scoring chances. In the 12th minute, Canadian forward Jonathan David converted a rebound after Chile goalkeeper Lawrence Vigoroux made a save, putting the hosts 1-0 ahead. The sources do not state the final score of the match.
Match statistics
Statistics compiled by the BBC show Canada ahead in several categories: possession stood at 57.1% for Canada versus 42.9% for Chile; total shots were 5 to 3 in Canada's favour; shots on target were 3 to 2; and Canada completed 179 passes with 86.6% accuracy compared with Chile's 132 passes at 84.8% accuracy. Chile, however, committed more fouls (8 against Canada's 2) and won more corners (2 to 1).
Lineups and squad news
Chile fielded a side featuring several young players and some based in the domestic league: Lawrence Vigoroux in goal; Felipe Faúndez, Iván Román, Jonathan Villagra and Gabriel Suazo in defence; César Pérez, Vicente Pizarro and Marcelino Núñez in midfield; and Darío Osorio, Gonzalo Tapia and Lucas Cepeda up front. The team is coached by Nicolás Córdova. As reported by Mega, defender Benjamín Kuscevic was withdrawn from the squad shortly before the match due to a muscle injury that will also keep him out of the upcoming fixtures.
Broadcast
The match was shown live on Chile's Mega channel and on the MegaGo streaming platform, which also offered a 4K option with additional statistics. Commentary was provided by Claudio Palma, Iván Zamorano and Rodrigo Sepúlveda, with Camila Romero reporting from the pitch. A separate reaction stream featuring former player Arturo Vidal was also broadcast on YouTube.
