Jacob Shaffelburg scored twice to lead Canada to a 2-0 victory over Peru in a friendly match at Stade Saputo in Montreal on Saturday. The win gives Canada back-to-back clean sheet victories as they build form for the 2030 World Cup cycle.
Shaffelburg opened the scoring in the 19th minute and added a second with a header in the 35th, taking his tally to nine international goals. "I'm just happy to get the goals and help the team win," the winger said after the match. Canada dominated possession with 61% and outshot their opponents 17-4, with three efforts on target.
Squad rotation and debuts
Head coach Jesse Marsch made a full line change in the 62nd minute, substituting nine players at once. This allowed 22-year-old goalkeeper Owen Goodman to make his senior national team debut. Veteran midfielder Samuel Piette, honoured with a pre-match ceremony for his service, came on in the 66th minute to earn his 70th cap.
The result follows a 1-0 win over Chile in Toronto last week and improves Canada's all-time record against Peru to three wins and one loss. The team now sits second in their World Cup qualifying group with four points from three games. Canada's next fixture is a high-profile friendly against the United States on Tuesday, October 7, at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City.
This story first appeared at mlssoccer.com
