Canada picks up a second clean sheet against El Sal

Canada enjoyed a successful second game of Gold Cup action as they got past El Salvador 1-0 in Columbus Tuesday night. Ali Gerba again scored the winning goal, deflecting a floating ball in from Patrice Bernier with a deft touch. Salvadorean keeper Miguel Montes got a glove on the ball from Gerba, but could not stop it from going in to give the Canadians a 32nd minute lead they would retain for the match.

Both sides had a few good chances, and El Sal almost scored when Sutton came out too far to try and collect a ball coming in; the resulting play almost drifted into his goal. Although he notably executed an excellent throwing clearance that started a good play, he continues to have problems with his distribution. Other than that, Sutton looked strong, making a few good saves. It is his third straight clean sheet, including both Gold Cup games and his substitute appearance at halftime in the friendly against Guatemala.

Mike Klukowski recieved a yellow-card for a smart defensive foul, while captain Paul Stalteri, who had a pretty good game, recieved a yellow for what could be termed as diving from the Salvadoreans. Simeon Jackson and Marcel de Jong were brought on near the end of the game, as Canada didn't seize up defensively to defend the 1-0 lead, although they ultimately managed to hold, with Julian de Guzman turning in a solid performance.

The Voyageurs were outnumbered in the stands by El Salvador supporters, they were fine in voice. Canada will qualify as group-winners if they can pick up a point off of Costa Rica on the final group-stage matchday Friday, and they are qualified for sure if any of the remaining group stage matches ends in a draw. We're not through yet (although the CBC thinks we are!), but the performance was strong.