By FRANCO PANIZO
In its final tune-up before its Gold Cup opener against the United States, Canada tied Ecuador, but it did so in controversial fashion.
Trailing 2-1 in injury time, Canada equalized through a goal from Tosaint Ricketts while several Ecuadorian players were busy arguing a foul call with the referee. Ricketts' first goal for Canada came after Julian de Guzman quickly played a free kick to him.
Canada had opened the scoring in the 2-2 draw when Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Terry Dunfield nailed a blast from distance. Ecuador responded with two goals in a span of three minutes in the second half. Christian Benitez and Michael Arroyo each found the back of the net before Ricketts' late-game heroics.
Mexico also prepared for the Gold Cup with one final friendly on Wednesday. With Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez being rested, Mexico defeated New Zealand, 3-0, in Denver. Giovani Dos Santos netted twice and Aldo de Nigris added a goal just before halftime to give the Mexicans a win before its Gold Cup opener against El Salvador on June 5.
In total, there were six international matches played on Wednesday. Here are the results from those matches along with highlights from Canada's 2-2 draw with Ecuador:
Japan 0-0 Peru
Nigeria 4-1 Argentina
Ukraine 2-0 Uzbekistan
Canada 2-2 Ecuador
Guatemala 0-2 Venezuela
Mexico 3-0 New Zealand
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What do you think of these results? Starting to think Canada will prove a stiff test for the U.S. men's national team in the Gold Cup? Impressed by Mexico's win?
Share your thoughts below.
