Canadá Beats Guatemala 3-2 in Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals

Guatemala fell 2-3 to Canada on Friday in the opening leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals at Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera, known as El Trébol.

The visiting Canadian side controlled the opening half and capitalized on defensive lapses by the Azul y Blanco to build a commanding lead before halftime, according to Prensa Libre.

Jonathan David scored with a right-footed shot from the center of the box to the right side of the goal in stoppage time of the first half, making it 3-0 for Canada, as detailed by Mediotiempo.

Guatemala responded after the break when Matthew Evans assisted Óscar Santis, who scored with a header past the visiting goalkeeper in the 54th minute, reported Claro Sports.

The goal energized the home supporters and sparked a sustained period of pressure from the Guatemalan attack, though several subsequent efforts from Rubio Rubín and Evans missed the target.

An own goal by Luc De Fougerolles in the 90th minute brought Guatemala within a single goal, but time ran out on the comeback attempt, as noted in the match statistics.

Luis Fernando Tena selected a starting lineup featuring Nicholas Hagen in goal, alongside Aaron Herrera, Allen Yanes, Nicolás Samayoa, and José Morales in defense, with Matthew Evans, Oscar Castellanos, Rudy Muñoz, Antonio López, Rubio Rubín, and Darwim Lom rounding out the team, according to Claro Sports.

Jesse Marsch deployed Dayne St. Clair in goal, backed by Niko Sigur, Luc de Fougerolles, Ralph Priso, Richie Laryea, Liam Millar, Nathan Saliba, Mathieu Choiniere, Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, and Tani Oluwaseyi.

The quarterfinal series will conclude next week when Guatemala travels to face Canada in the return leg in Toronto, with the aggregate winner advancing to the tournament semifinals, as reported by Prensa Libre.