Even though they were up a man for the majority of the second half, Canada struggled but was able to pick up its first win of Copa America 2024.
Former New England Revolution winger Tajon Buchanan started on the bench for Canada while former Seacoast United and University of New Hampshire defender Moise Bombito made the starting XI.
Across the pitch, Orlando City's Pedro Gallese started in net for Peru with former NYCFC defender Alexander Callens also in the starting XI.
Canada controlled the game for most of the first half but struggled to convert on its chances. In what was a physical match, Richie Laryea picked up the first yellow card in the 20th minute.
Peru fought back soon after, gaining possession and some chances in the attacking third. They even put away a set piece in the 34th minute but the header was ruled to be offside.
A crucial moment occurred in the 40th minute when Alistair Johnston appeared to be headbutted by a Peruvian player. Even after VAR reviewed the play, no red card was issued.
Canada struggled for the remainder of the first 45 minutes as they were sloppy on the ball and committed too many turnovers. Still, the Canucks back line stood strong, keeping the scoreline at nil-nil.
Marsch made three changes to start the second half. Kamal Miller, Jacob Shaffelburg, and Jonathan Osorio replaced Derek Cornelius, Liam Millar, and Ismael Kone.
The match increased in physicality in the second half. Some dust-ups occurred and Miguel Araujo earned the first yellow card for Peru in the 55th minute. But VAR intervened and ruled that Araujo’s challenge was worthy of a red card instead of a yellow.
With Canada playing a man up for the majority of the second half, nothing more than a win would be acceptable. Especially if they wanted to advance past the group stage. That goal finally came in the 74th minute as after receiving a pass from Shaffelburg on the counter, Jonathan David calmly converted and scored the first goal of the tournament for the nation.
David’s talent can go under the radar as Alphonso Davies is the main man for Canada but the striker has been a top player in Ligue 1 in France. When given a chance in front of goal, David rarely is wasteful.
While David’s goal will steal the show, Maxime Crepeau had a fantastic night as well, making some impressive saves to maintain the win for Canada. Jesse Marsch probably wanted to add a few goals to the score line but by grinding out the win, Canada gave themselves a chance to advance past the group.
With the win, Canada takes second place from Chile for the time being. Chile faces Argentina later tonight and then a matchup between the Canucks and La Roja should decide who gets second place in the group on June 29.