Ali Gerba's fifth career Gold Cup goal and 14th international tally was enough to earn Canada three points in their opening match of the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Friday. Just enough.
After a tight, physical 74 minutes at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, Simeon Jackson - having replaced Will Johnson just four minutes earlier - fought off two Jamaican defenders before sending the ball to a streaking Mike Klukowski on the left flank. Gathering the pass, the 28-year-old Club Brugges' left-back scampered down the wing before crossing a lovely ball into the path of Gerba, who volleyed it past goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts from just inside the eight-yard box.
The win leaves Canada level with El Salvador in Group A. Osael Romero scored twice for the Cuscatlecos en route to a surprising 2-1 win over tournament favorites Costa Rica. Canada will face El Salvador on Tuesday in Columbus before completing their round robin schedule against Costa Rica in Miami on Friday.
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