Canada opens California trip with win over Barbados

IRVINE, California — The Canadian men’s national soccer team scored three first-half goals on their way to defeating Barbados 4-1 on Tuesday in an international friendly.

Tosaint Ricketts opened the scoring for Canada in the seventh minute, and Tesho Akindele doubled the lead in the 34th.

Armando Lashley got one back on a penalty in the 36th for Barbados, only for Jonathan Osorio to score late in the half. Theo Bair added one more goal for Canada in the 77th

The Canadians, ranked 73rd, were playing the first of three friendly matches in Irvine, California, at Orange County Great Park.

“The boys responded well tonight as we haven’t had long together, but the organization and intensity was evident,” said Canada coach John Herdman.

“I was particularly happy with the fluidity in the attacking third and our commitment to the high press given that many players are coming off preseason. It was a night in which we were able to build depth in our squad and take a result to start the year on a positive note.”

Canada face No. 162 Barbados again on Friday before playing No. 39 Iceland Jan. 15.