Goals by Olivier Occean, Dwayne De Rosario, Josh Simpson and Tosaint Ricketts lifted the Canadians to the win, which capped off a second-round group stage that Canada had clinched prior to the kickoff at BMO Field.

In stark contrast to the frustrating 0-0 draw between the two sides four days earlier in St. Kitts, this match was a much more open affair as the Canadians looked to put some goals on the board for the first time after going scoreless in two matches.

Canada found lots of space up front and, through the hard work of forwards Ricketts and Simpson, created a few good runs into the attacking third in the opening stages.

Despite the Canadians’ newfound enthusiasm for going forward, it was actually the visitors who got the first real chance of the match, as they rang a shot off Kenny Stamatopoulos’ left post after a quick counterattack at the quarter-hour mark.

That was pretty much all the Kittitians would muster offensively, as Canada came at their island opponents in waves for much of the first half. The pressure finally paid off in the 27th minute, when a De Rosario corner kick met Will Johnson in the St. Kitts area. The Real Salt Lake man quickly dished it off to Occean, who made no mistake in knocking it home from inside the six yard box.

Canada doubled their lead nine minutes later after Ricketts was taken down in the area, which enabled De Rosario to step up to the spot and bury the ensuing penalty kick. The strike was the D.C. United man’s 19th in a Canada kit, pulling him even with Dale Mitchell for the all-time lead in Canadian national team history.

Simpson then added a third just before the halftime whistle, heading in a well-placed corner from Johnson.

The Canadian pressure continued in the second half, with Simpson nearly adding to his tally on a 55th-minute header that just grazed the top of the St. Kitts crossbar. Ricketts did the same 10 minutes later, scuffing a free header wide-right after a nice build-up by his teammates. Substitute Nana Attakora also came close, firing a 20-yard shot low and to the left mere moments after entering the match.

The home side had to wait nearly the entire half for their sustained attack to be rewarded, however. It wasn’t until the 88th minute that Ricketts, who had terrorized the Kittian defense all match long, pounced on a juicy rebound to notch Canada’s fourth and final goal of the game.

Scoring Summary:
CAN — Olivier Occean, 27’
CAN — Dwayne De Rosario, 36’ (PK)
CAN — Josh Simpson, 45+2’
CAN — Tosaint Ricketts, 88’

Misconduct Summary:
SKN — Kareem Mitchum, 16’ (caution)
SKN — Akil Grier, 54’ (caution)
CAN — Ashtone Morgan, 70’ (caution)

Lineups:

Canada – Kenny Stamatopoulos, Nik Ledgerwood (Nana Attakora, 70’), Adam Straith, David Edgar, Ashtone Morgan, Patrice Bernier (Jonathan Beaulieu-Borgault, 81’), Will Johnson, Josh Simpson, Olivier Occean (Simeon Jackson, 70’), Dwayne De Rosario, Tosaint Ricketts
Subs not used: Lars Hirschfeld, Mike Klukowski, Julian de Guzman, Ante Jazic

St. Kitts and Nevis – Akil Byron, Thirzen Leader, Kareem Mitchum, Kareem Harris, Joel Jeffers, Gerard Williams, Errol O’Loughlin, Keith Gumbs, Akil Grier (Tiran Hanley, 58’), Ian Lake (Matthew Berkeley, 58’), George Issac (Orlando Mitchum, 64’)
Subs not used: Alexis Saddler, Joeski Williams, Mudassa Howe, Julani Archibald, Devaughn Elliott, Terrance Warde

Referee: Ricardo Cerdas Sanchez (CRC)
Assistant Referees: Warner Castro (CRC), Osvaldo Luna (CRC)
Fourth Official: Jeffrey Solis (CRC)
Weather: Clear and 50 degrees
Attendance: 10,235

http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2011/11/canada-finishes-authority

The result leaves the North Americans on an unassailable 11 points with a game remaining, four ahead of second-place St. Kitts.The two teams meet again on Tuesday in Toronto with nothing at stake.

The Canadians had no shortage of scoring opportunities, especially early in the game, but Josh Simpson, Simeon Jackson and Dwayne De Rosario all failed to convert.

After absorbing the early pressure, the Sugar Boyz settled well and even had spells in possession, creating some chances of their own.

Goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld saved the day for the visitors in the 83rd minute, when he managed to palm away an attempt from distance by Matthew Berkeley.

Byron came up trumps off Simeon Jackson in the final minutes, saving two attempts from the Norwich City standout.

The result was Canada’s second-consecutive scoreless draw in qualifying and it has not conceded a goal in four-straight.

St. Kitts and Nevis remains unbeaten in group play with one win and four ties.

Have you felt 100% fit at any time this season?
“It has been tough coming back from the surgery and pushing myself as much as possible to be my best … It is part of the process. I’m still working at it, and I have a lot to offer once the knee fully recovers. I have spoken to other players who have had knee surgeries [and they’ve said] it takes them a full season to get their form back, so I’ve got to be patient.”

Are you feeling the love at BMO Field these days? You are a designated player, but the team has brought in other players recently.
“There has to be love if I’m still here, if I am still part of [Winter and assistant coach Bob de Klerk’s] plans, and if I’m still given the chance to play and help the team. I’m very appreciative. At the same time, things may not be going the way everyone would like them to go with the results and expectations, but I mean in this game it is all about unity with the management and also with the players. And … with Aron and Bob on board, I’m sure it will take time for them to have what they would like in their system, and how they would like the team run. So a lot of changes were expected and for me to be still a part of it, I’m really honoured.”

Are you still waiting to see, when you are healthy, what your role will be?
“I think the most important thing, before anything else, is being healthy and being available. And then from there we will be able to see how the pieces will settle into the puzzle … It is a matter of time [before Winter and de Klerk] get [the players] they want to work with, and I guess once they have that in full control then I think the whole franchise will see a lot of changes, not just with players but with results.”

Talk about the progress of the coaches’ pass-and-move offensive system.
“It is a very unusual system for this league. It is one that will definitely not dominate the league just after one season… this is something that nobody really expected to happen overnight. But this season has been a huge learning experience — not just for ourselves but also for Aron and Bob … You don’t find a 4-3-3 in Major League Soccer but, for myself, it is great to have it at TFC.

“When I look at the young guys, like Oscar [Cordon] or Keith [Makubuya] or Doneil [Henry] or Ashtone [Morgan], getting their chances to be a part of such a great system, and see these young guys learning every day — imagine in a couple years once they have this system down

“It is a style that has brought a lot success to a lot of soccer teams in the world, so to have this here in [the young players’] backyard, I think it is a great bonus for them … I enjoy playing it, I enjoy learning more about it as well, and most importantly, I enjoy seeing guys make progress, young Canadians who have something to look up to, which I never had growing up.”

• Email: mscianitti@nationalpost.com | Twitter: @mscianitti

Owning a 74-26 advantage in possession percentage in the first half, it was a 39th minute goal by DF Nat Borchers off MF Kyle Beckerman’s corner kick that gave RSL the early lead. Just three minutes later, Saborío scored for the first time since March 15 against Saprissa in CONCACAF Champions League play, tapping home a cross from DF Robbie Russell. It was Russell again setting up Saborío in the 66th minute, this time with a looping ball over the top that found the sniper who a year ago led RSL with 18 goals in 30 games. The Saborío brace extended RSL’s current unbeaten streak to four games, courtesy of three consecutive draws prior to tonight.

RSL GK Nick Rimando was not forced to make even one save on the night, as the lone Toronto FC shot-on-goal was FW Maicon Santos’ 15-yard near-post blast against the run of play in the 66th minute that beat the vaunted RSL defense.

De Rosario beat goalkeeper Franck Grandel in the 51st minute after Stephane Zubar brought down Canada’s Ali Gerba.

“I was very fortunate to put the penalty shot in and create a victory for us,” De Rosario said.
Earlier, Guadeloupe midfielder Jean-Luc Lambourde was given a straight red card in the fourth minute following a lunging tackle on Canada’s Will Johnson.

“We didn’t want to change what we set out to do … just be patient,” Canada coach Stephen Hart said. “It was very, very hot. Make them run. Keep the ball moving and just be careful not to get caught on the counter-attack.”

Canada’s breakthrough appeared to arrive in the 15th minute only for Gerba’s goal to be disallowed for offside.

Guadeloupe’s Thery Racon had a good scoring chance during the opening minute of the second half, but was stopped by Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan.

“They created some pretty good goal-scoring opportunities,” De Rosario said. “At the start of the second half, we started flat and they almost scored a goal. The main thing was we didn’t lose our heads in the game. We didn’t let them get us a red card.”

Grandel kept Guadeloupe in the contest with a strong save on Simeon Jackson in the 65th minute.
“We played very well with 10 men,” Guadeloupe coach Roger Salnot said through a translator. “We did everything we had to. Just didn’t get a result at the end.”
Canada was coming off a 2-0 loss to the United States in its opening game last Tuesday and had not scored a Gold Cup goal in its previous 242 minutes entering Saturday’s match.

Guadeloupe fell 3-2 against Panama in its first game on Tuesday, with Brice Jovial scoring a brace.
In its only two previous trips to the Gold Cup, Guadeloupe reached the semifinals in 2007 and appeared in the quarterfinal two years ago.
Winless Guadeloupe will face the U.S. in its final group match on Tuesday.

“We will play to the end,” Salnot said. We will still play to win. Leave this game behind.”

Canada will face Panama also on Tuesday.

A calf injury ruled out veteran Julian de Guzman for Canada’s tournament opener, a 2-0 loss to the United States in Detroit on Tuesday. But coach Stephen Hart confirmed the Toronto FC midfielder has worked out with the team and is ready to return for Saturday evening’s encounter against Guadeloupe in Tampa.

“He trained the last two days and looked sharp, [he] was buzzing around, so he is fit for selection,” Hart told reporters during a conference call on Friday.

Hart does, however, have injury concerns, revealing that two members of his roster are questionable for Saturday’s match. The Canadian coach declined to reveal the identity of the players.

“I am waiting on the medical team to come tell me what they think. Two players trained; one trained only for about 10 minutes, and the other one pushed himself through training, and I’m not sure he can play,” said Hart.

Hart also hinted that he could make a goalkeeping change.

Lars Hirschfeld started in net against the Americans, but his performance was blighted by conceding a weak opening goal in the 16th minute on a shot he should have saved.

“It’s goalkeeping, isn’t it? Any sort of mistake by a goalkeeper is the ultimate result. Lars is a professional and he knows he should have done better. … He’ll bounce back from that,” Hart stated.

Meanwhile, No. 2 goalkeeper Milan Borjan is waiting in the wings, and he will likely see action either against Guadeloupe or in Canada’s match against Panama on June 14 in Kansas City

“Right now, I’ve told them the [No. 1 goalkeeping] position is up to fight for, as are a couple of other positions. One of the things we need to do is keep the squad fresh and so I am sure you will see [Milan],” Hart said.

Canada currently sits in last place in Group C, tied with Guadeloupe with zero points. The U.S. and Panama lead the group with three points apiece, and as the top two teams move on to the next round, Canada can ill afford to drop any points against Guadeloupe.

Despite his team’s rough start at the Gold Cup, Hart believes Canada can go far in the tournament.

“We’ll have to be a little more consistent in what we do. We had some excellent chances that we did not put away [against the U.S.] and we probably will need to be a lot more clinical that way,” Hart explained.

“Of course, on the other end, we have to be more concentrated and show more discipline. You can’t win a tournament without defending well and having [shutouts], and more so from the fact that we are not a big-scoring team. We have to look at it from both ends, but I believe if we fall into the right rhythm, the right run of form, we can go deep.”

Canada looked timid and lethargic at times against the U.S. but Hart ruled out drastically changing his formation and tactics, including moving Dwayne De Rosario from the wing to the focal point of the attack.

“Dwayne played up front in [recent games] and unless you put him right on top, which he is not very comfortable, I think that would be sort of clutching at straws,” Hart said. “He plays best out wide and he plays best behind the striker, and he scored a lot of goals playing out wide for both Toronto and Canada at international level.”

Winter said that a slight adjustment in tactics actually allowed one of Canada’s own — Julian de Guzman — to stand out.

Earlier in the year, de Guzman has been lined up on the right of the midfield in an advanced role, a spot new to him during his career. But last week Winter opted to line up more defensively and the improvement in the Canadian international’s game as well as the team’s was noticeable.

“We played a little bit defensive — back point with Julian — I was not satisfied with the back [in previous games],” Winter said.

Winter uses the term “back point” to refer to a lineup that features the central midfielder playing in the slot above the center backs. Although that term is common in Dutch soccer, fans from English-speaking countries would be more likely to think of it as a holding midfielder.

De Guzman’s best seasons were spent playing a holding role for Spain’s Deportivo La Coruña. Since coming to TFC, he has at times struggled as the club has asked him to play further up field than he did in La Liga.

Based on Winter’s comments, that experiment may be over. Toronto FC look to utilize de Guzman’s effectiveness when they take on FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park on Wednesday (9 pm ET, MatchDay Live)

“It’s … better for Julian, it’s better for the system,” Winter said. “We’ve tried to play with him on the right half, but he’s had some difficulties. And now we’re looking at his performance and the way he played [Saturday against Houston] —  he played very good.”

According to Winter, de Guzman has a chance to have a greater influence on the game while Toronto has him lined up “back point.” It stands to reason, considering he’s only scored eight goals in 11 pro seasons and none since arriving at Toronto late in 2009.

“There are two sides that he plays in that position,” Winter said. “When we don’t have the ball he’s a lock on the door, and when we do have the ball he’s a man that can play soccer and define the game from the left and the right”

And as a Designated Player, de Guzman needs to be a player that defines games. Hopefully for the Reds, Winter may have finally found a way to fully utilize the Canadian international’s talents.

“In only his third start in Aron Winter’s new playing system, the Designated Player Julian de Guzman showed why many expect him to flourish. Creativity and passing – not goals – are his calling card.” – MLSsoccer.com

MLS Best XI – Week Six:

Goalkeeper:

Donovan Ricketts, Los Angeles Galaxy: While the Galaxy won 3-0, the big Jamaican also made three highlight-reel saves to keep the clean sheet and prevent any hope of a comeback from Portland.

Defenders:

Jan Gunnar Solli, New York Red Bulls: Solli put in a simply masterful performance for New York at D.C. United. He combined very well with Dane Richards up the right flank and terrorized United left back Mark Burch, notching three assists in the process.

Bobby Boswell, Houston Dynamo: Boswell capped off a no-nonsense performance against an improved looking Chicago side with a well headed equalizer.

George John, FC Dallas: Another goalscoring defender in the mix, though he is certainly being recognized for more than just his equalizer against Vancouver. Throughout the game he was a consistent presence in Dallas’ backine against a Vancouver side tied for the lead in goals scored.

Heath Peace, Chivas USA: The former FC Dallas man played arguably his best game in a Chivas USA shirt against San Jose on Saturday and got a win to show for it. His free kick late in first half stoppage time was glanced in by Alejandro Moreno, representing Pearce’s first assist for his new club and was a deserved reward for his hard work throughout the game.

Midfielders

Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy: Donovan may certainly have had his doubters, especially when he missed the Galaxy’s recent three-game road trip through injury, but he showed on Saturday he is as hungry as ever. He set up Chad Barrett’s opener with an impeccable through pass, drew and scored a penalty, then finally capped everything off with an accurate header to lead the Galaxy to a 3-0 win.

Teemu Tainio, New York Red Bulls: Almost as important as Solli in New York’s supporting cast in Thursday night’s win was former Spurs man Teemu Tainio. The Finn showed great poise and positioning, making a number of important interceptions and distributing with ease.

Julian De Guzman, Toronto FC: In Saturday’s 1-1 draw, Toronto finally began to see why De Guzman was considered worthy of DP money. He continued his positive play under new coach Aron Winter, moving the ball well, making the defensive stops when he needed to, and provided a sumptuous pass for Tony Tchani’s opener.

Marco Pappa, Chicago Fire: Pappa continued to show why he could be integral to any possible success for the Chicago Fire as he troubled Corey Ashe all day long and showed great industry and persistence to set up Diego Chaves’ goal.

Forwards

Thierry Henry, New York Red Bulls: When it rains, it pours. After finally getting his first goal of the season against San Jose las week, Henry went one better on Thursday night, netting the opening two goals against D.C. United and setting up Joel Lindpere’s third as MLS fans saw the true threat an in-form Henry can pose.

Diego Chaves, Chicago Fire: Along with Pappa, Chaves is quickly becoming the Fire’s offensive talisman, and he netted his fourth goal of the season with a well-taken strike. While it wouldn’t stand up as the winner, that goal, plus his hard work and intelligent play throughout the game, earn him a place in this week’s best XI.

Formation (4-4-2):

Ricketts

Solli-Boswell-John-Pearce

Donovan-Tainio-De Guzman-Pappa

Henry-Chaves

Bench: Jon Busch (San Jose Earthquakes), Kosuke Kimura (Colorado Rapids), Alain Rochat (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Benny Feilhaber (New England Revolution), Mauro Rosales (Seattle Sounders FC), Kei Kamara (Sporting Kansas City), Rajko Lekic (New England Revolution)

Coach

Hans Backe, New York Red Bulls: Backe may have been correct in saying D.C. United were the best team New York has faced all season, and either way, the 4-0 thrashing of United at RFK Stadium was a sight to behold. The Swede seemed to have D.C. counterpart Ben Olsen’s number from the get-go, while New York’s much-talked about possession game is finally beginning to reap some rewards.

Sources: MLSsoccer.com – Goal.com

Tony Tchani had an eventful first half as he put TFC into the lead in the 41st minute, but was given a second yellow card for leaving the field to celebrate with the fans.

This left the home side in a tough spot, and the Crew (2-1-3) took advantage three minutes after the break as Emilio Renteria leveled the contest.

Toronto (1-2-4) has now drawn four of its last five games, while the Crew set a new franchise record for most consecutive minutes without allowing a goal at 413.

The home side created a chance midway through the opening half when Javier Martina had a shot from inside the penalty area saved by the foot of Columbus goalkeeper Will Hesmer.

However, Hesmer’s streak of four successive clean sheets was halted when Tchani tracked down a well-weighted ball over the top from Julian De Guzman and rolled it into the lower-right corner.

Having already been booked, Tchani was then shown a second yellow card for his celebration, leaving Toronto with 10 men.

The Crew scored early in the second half when Sebastian Miranda’s right-wing cross was flicked inside the far post by the head of Renteria, but the Crew was unable to push on and claim all three points as Toronto held out for the draw.

Photo Gallery: Click here.

Video Highlights:

Toronto was reduced to 10 men in the 49th minute when defender Ty Harden earned a controversial red card.

The Reds (now with a 1-2-3 season record) were unbeaten in their previous six home matches, a streak dating back to Sept. 25, 2010. Saturday’s result was also TFC’s first loss since the season opener on March 19 in Vancouver, and ended the team’s four-game unbeaten streak (one win, three ties).

The opening 20 minutes have been the bane of the Reds’ existence this season, with coach Aron Winter recently commenting he hoped it would not become a trend.

It would seem that ship has long set sail from dock.

Some comical defending saw D.C. jump out to a 2-0 lead after only 10 minutes, effectively putting the game beyond the Reds’ meagre reach.

More worrying was how TFC responded.

Stuck in quicksand

A spirited fight back was required, but the Reds looked as though they were stuck in quicksand. There was no spring in their steps, no sense of urgency, no running off the ball, no cohesion.

Nothing.

“The way we lost, I didn’t like it because you can lose a game, but I always want to see a reaction from my players,” Winter admitted.

D.C. outmuscled and outworked Toronto in the midfield, effectively cutting off the service to forward Maicon Santos, who was back in the starting lineup after sitting out the last game with the flu.

Only after Harden was sent off did TFC suddenly spring to life, but by then it was too late.

“In the second half with 10 men, we we’re playing better than in the first half with 11, and that makes me upset,” Winter stated.

Toronto has seen huge player turnover since Winter took over in January, with the Dutch coach repeatedly saying it’s going to take time to turn things around.

Fair enough. But if this game is a harbinger of things to come, it’s going to be another long season for the team’s already frustrated fan base.

“We need time,” reaffirmed Winter. “I can’t say [it will take] a month, two months or three months. We need time. It could also be a year because we are rebuilding.”

It took D.C. five minutes to breach Toronto’s defence. Chris Pontius capitalized on a poor clearance and breezed by right fullback Jacob Peterson before beating goalkeeper Stefan Frei with a low shot that nestled inside the far post.

D.C. doubled its advantage five minutes later. Another giveaway by the Toronto defence, this time by Danleigh Borman, saw Charlie Davies scoop up a rebound and score his league-leading fifth goal of the campaign.

TFC’s woes were compounded when Adrian Cann suffered bruised ribs on the play and had to leave the game. Nana Attakora took his place in the centre of defence alongside Harden.

A dire opening 45 minutes from the Reds saw them booed off the field by the crowd when referee Mark Kadlecik blew the halftime whistle.

The hometown supporters had more cause to voice their displeasure when Harden was ejected early in the second half for a foul on Pontius. While Harden deserved to be cautioned, Kadlecik should not have brandish a red card as the TFC defender was not the last man back.

Toronto immediately responded and enjoyed a decent stretch of possession, but any hope of a comeback was dashed in the 73rd minute. Julian de Guzman was easily stripped of the ball inside his half, and a streaking Pontius curled a shot by Frei.

Attakora said he and his teammates have to take responsibility for another dreadful start to the match.

“We have to look at ourselves and how we prepare,” opined Attakora. “We need to identify what the problem is and sort it out real quick.”

NOTES: Injured TFC forward Alan Gordon missed his second consecutive game … The Reds bolstered their defence Friday, acquiring Richard Eckersley on loan from English club Burnley. Eckersley did not dress Saturday … Midfielder Oscar Cordon, an 18-year-old Toronto native and product of TFC’s youth academy, made his first start for the club … United sports a 4-2-0 record at BMO Field … Toronto’s next game is April 23 at home vs. Columbus.

Post-Match Interview: