Canada holds 13th-ranked Colombia to a scoreless draw in men's soccer friendly

Canada gave as good as it got for most of the game Tuesday before fending off a late charge to hold 13th-ranked Colombia to a scoreless draw in a soccer friendly in Harrison, N.J.

The 26th-ranked Canadian men proved to be a handful for the South Americans with midfielder Stephen Eustaquio and winger Tajon Buchanan leading the way. But it speaks volumes about the team's progress that Canada coach Jesse Marsch was not satisfied with shared honours with an elite opponent.

"I think it was a good performance, not a great performance... I felt like most of the game we were in fourth or fifth gear and we could have really pushed ourselves into sixth gear," Marsch said.

"We are the type of team that can play in these games, be better in these games and win these games," he added.

Scoring chances were few and far between for both teams until the frenetic final minutes. Colombia outshot Canada 6-4 with both sides managing just one shot on target.

There was no shortage of fouls with 38 called, including 23 fouls in the first half. American referee Guido Gonzales Jr., voted the 2024 U.S. Soccer Male Referee of the Year, had a busy evening.

Canada earns a scoreless draw with Colombia in friendly match

Canada was coming off a 1-0 loss to No. 25 Australia in Montreal on Friday. Unable to penetrate a resolute Socceroos defence, the Canadians paid the price for a defensive blunder by fullback Niko Sigur, who rebounded with an excellence performance Tuesday.

While the Canadians failed to score during the international window, Marsch saw positives.

"I'm happy with the progress. And I just want to keep seeing them reward themselves with a little bit more quality in important moments," he said referencing the lack of goals.

Buchanan forced a