David goal stands up as Canada beats Chile 1-0 in men's soccer friendly in Toronto

The Canadian men's soccer team kicked off a new four-year cycle in style Saturday night with a 1-0 win over Chile in a chippy international friendly at BMO Field in Toronto.

It was the first game for the host side since falling to Morocco in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup. Jonathan David scored the lone goal in front of a crowd of 23,310 and Dayne St. Clair earned the clean sheet.

"We wanted to come back here in Toronto after the World Cup to say thank you to the fans," said Canadian midfielder Mathieu Choiniere. "I think that's the best way that we did it - by a win."

The Canadian lineup was missing some key players for the first of three friendlies over the next fortnight. Captain Alphonso Davies (honeymoon), defender Derek Cornelius (hip) and goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (personal) were unavailable.

David wore the captain's armband for 30th-ranked Canada. He was joined up top by Cyle Larin, who scored in the Canadian team's first World Cup game here on June 12, a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Canadian men's soccer team defeats Chile in international friendly

"It felt amazing," Larin said. "I think I felt the same type of energy and we started off fast in the game and we were able to get one early.

"So it was amazing to be back and to get that feeling back at BMO."

The match billed as "The Homecoming" began with a ceremony to honour the World Cup squad, which qualified for the knockout stage for the first time and beat South Africa in the Round of 32.

Chile, the world No. 49, did not qualify for the World Cup. The South American country's last appearance in the tournament came in 2014.

Canada was on the front foot early and was rewarded when David tallied in the 12th minute.

Ralph Priso started the play with