Davies scores twice, Canada tops Curacao in CONCACAF Nations League play

The Canadian men's soccer team put a dramatic week behind them with a decisive 4-0 win over Curacao to open their CONCACAF Nations League campaign on Thursday.

The victory followed a week that saw the Canadian players miss two training sessions and refuse to play a friendly game against Panama in Vancouver due to an ongoing contract dispute.

Canada, ranked 38th in the world, didn't appear to have much rust to shake off on Thursday, however, pressuring No. 79 Curacao just two minutes into the game.

Alphonso Davies scored twice, including on a first-half penalty kick, while Steven Vitoria and Lucas Cavallini each added a goal.

It was a quiet night for Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan, who did not face a single on-target shot. Eloy Room made five saves for Curacao.

Canada continues its Nations League play on Monday when they take on No. 82 Honduras in San Pedro Sula.

The Canadians sealed the score at 4-0 in the 86th minute.

Sam Adekugbe dished a pass in to Cavallini inside the six-yard box and the ball deflected off the Vancouver Whitecaps' striker as he toppled to the turf.

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Cavallini came off the bench in the 76th minute for Tajon Buchanan.

Two shirtless protesters with "Save Old Growth" messages written on their bodies briefly affixed themselves to the Curacao goalposts midway through the second half. They were removed by security and led off the field by police.

Canada exploded out of the brief pause with another goal off a give-and-go.

Davies sent the ball to substitute Richie Laryea deep in the penalty area and Laryea quickly put it back on Davies' foot. Davies tapped it in from the top of the six-yard box in the 74th minute for his second goal of the game.

The crowd