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NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Goalkeeper Michal Misiewicz twice denied seemingly sure goals and gave Canada a 0-0 draw with El Salvador Thursday in the opening game of CONCACAF Olympic qualifying.
The 21-year-old who plays for second-division FC Edmonton in the North American Soccer League thwarted clear looks at goal by Isidro Guttierez in the 12th minute and another similarly open chance by Andres Flores eight minutes later to earn the Canadians the point.
It was the first draw in six meetings at CONCACAF qualifying between Canada and El Salvador, which is making its first appearance in the confederation finals since 1996.
Canada had the better of early play, generating the first corner and chance within seven minutes. It had the better of possession until Salvador created the opportunities against the run of play by Guttierez and Flores.
Guitierez was sent in on the right side of the penalty area when Misiewicz came off his line and was able to get his right hand to the Aguila midfielder's shot and knock it wide of the left post.
In the 20th minute, Jaime Alas put Flores 12 meters from goal - again with only Misiewicz between him and the net - and had his shot knocked wide.
"He made two great saves," Canada coach Tony Fonseca said in praising his keeper. "He kept us in the game. It's his job. He came up big."
Canada was effective in stifling the much celebrated Lester Blanco. Blanco, who is the top scorer for Salvadoran league leader Metapan this season, did not have a clear chance all night and was replaced by Jonathan Aguila in the 72nd minute.
"It was a tough match. We should have won," El Salvador coach Mauricio Alfaro said. "We should have scored more goals with all the opportunities we had.
"The anxiety of the players has been a big issue. We just have to keep working and working."
For its part, Salvador surrendered possession in the first half and gave up four corners to Canada, but goalkeeper Yimy Cuellar was only occasionally threatened.
El Salvador next faces Cuba on Saturday while Canada will face off against southern neighbor the United States.
