Team Canada has won its first game in the history of the 2024 Copa America Soccer Tournament. On Tuesday in Kansas City, Kansas, Canada defeated Peru 1-0 on a goal in the 74th minute by Jonathan David of Ottawa, Ontario.
For David it was his 27th international goal for Canada in 51 caps. The forward currently plays for Lille in France’s Ligue 1.
The Canadian goal came with a man advantage. That is because Peruvian centre back Miguel Araujo was given a red card for tackling Canadian winger Jacob Shaffelburg of Kentville, Nova Scotia in the 59th minute. In fact, Peru should have had two red cards in the match. In the first half, Guatemala referee Mario Escobar decided not to give Miguel Araujo a red card for head butting Canadian centre back Allistar Johnston of Vancouver, British Columbia, even after reviewing the serious infraction through the Video Assistant Referee device. It will be interesting to see if Escobar is disciplined for the inappropriate officiating.
It was a sensational game for Shaffelburg, who plays for Nashville SC in Major League Soccer. After coming into the game in the 46th minute, Shaffelburg was very active in creating great Canadian scoring opportunities, and set up David for the only Canadian goal. Shaffelburg also was instrumental in Canada playing at the 2024 Copa America Soccer Tournament. Canada qualified for the event by beating Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 on November 22, 2023 in Frisco, Texas, as Shaffelburg scored one of two Canadian goals. The other Canadian goal scorer in qualifying was forward Cyle Larin of Brampton, Ontario, who plays for Mallorca in Spain’s La Liga.
The other Canadian star was goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau of Greenfield Park, Quebec. Peru had nine shots in the game but were unable to score. Like Shaffelburg, Crepeau is in the MLS as he plays for the Portland Timbers.
With the win, Canada improved to a record of one win and one loss. They previously lost 2-0 to Argentina on Thursday in Atlanta. Canada is in second place in Group A. Argentina, which beat Chile 1-0 on Tuesday, is at two wins and zero losses. Peru and Chile are tied for third at one loss and one draw. Chile and Peru tied at zero on Friday in Dallas.
