Canada's men's national soccer team finished their 2025 schedule on a high note, securing a 2-0 victory over Venezuela in a fiery international friendly that saw both teams reduced to ten men. The match, played on November 18, 2025, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, provided a mix of brilliant goals and disciplinary drama as the squad heads into a crucial World Cup year.
Koné's Dramatic Night: Goal and Red Card
The game's pivotal moment came in the 23rd minute when Ismaël Koné broke the deadlock. After winning a free kick just inside the Venezuelan half, Richie Laryea's cross deflected off a defender, falling perfectly for an unmarked Koné. His shot took a deflection on its way past Venezuelan goalkeeper Jose Contreras, marking his fourth goal in 37 appearances for Canada.
The goal ended a significant 342-minute scoring drought for the Canadian side, dating back to Derek Cornelius' spectacular free kick against Wales on September 9.
Koné's night turned sour in the second half when referee Rubiel Vazquez showed him a straight red card in the 60th minute for a high boot that caught Venezuelan player Kevin Kelsy. This came just three minutes after Venezuela's David Martinez was also sent off for lashing out at Laryea, creating a 10-versus-10 scenario for the final half-hour.
Marsch Optimistic About World Cup Preparation
Canadian coach Jesse Marsch expressed satisfaction with his team's performance and progress. "We got two goals, but I do think that this team has more quality with the ball in it and more ability in the last third of the field to make more chances," Marsch said. "But at the same time the thing that they always deliver is intensity and belief and aggressiveness."
Marsch noted the team has made significant strides, particularly in the last three months, while acknowledging that more work remains. The victory improves Canada's 2025 record to 7 wins, 2 losses, and 5 draws, with two of those draws resulting in penalty shootout losses.
The clean sheet against Venezuela represents Canada's fifth shutout in their last six matches, during which they've outscored opponents 6-1 while compiling a 3-1-2 record.
Special Visitor and Team Changes
Before the match, the Canadian team received a special visit from hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who presented the players with a motivational talk and was given a Canadian soccer jersey with his famous number 99.
Marsch made several changes to his starting lineup, handing a debut to English-born defender Alfie Jones after he finally completed his citizenship process. The Middlesbrough centre back, who qualifies through his late Alberta-born grandmother, looked comfortable in his first international appearance.
The Canadian squad was missing several key players due to injury and suspension, including Alphonso Davies, Moise Bombito, Alistair Johnston, and Sam Adekugbe. Cyle Larin and Junior Hoilett attended camp but were carrying knocks.
Substitute Promise David sealed the victory in the 83rd minute, finishing a counter-attack by converting Niko Sigur's cross for his third international goal.
Canada now looks ahead to the December 5 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., with just two FIFA international windows remaining before the tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026.
