Action from the international friendly between Moldova (blue jersey) and Canada on May 27, 2014, in Mauer, Austria. (Photo courtesy of the Federaţia Moldovenească de Fotbal)
MAUER, Austria – Canada replied swiftly to an early deficit, earning a 1-1 draw against Moldova in an international friendly on Tuesday at the Stadion SVU Mauer.
Four days after rallying to tie Bulgaria, the Canadians conceded a seventh-minute goal, but Tosaint Ricketts equalized shortly afterwards.
Following an early exchange of half chances, an unmarked Eugeniu Sidorenco gave Moldova the lead, heading home from eight-yards out off a left-sided cross.
Three minutes later, Pedro Pacheco delivered a corner kick from the right side to the far post for Andre Hainault to head across the goal. Ricketts reacted calmly to level from the edge of the six-yard box. It was the 26-year-old forward’s sixth goal in 32 international appearances and his first since netting against Cuba in a World Cup qualifier on October 10, 2012.
In the 40th minute, Canada nearly went ahead when Nik Ledgerwood’s right-sided free kick was deflected off the crossbar by a Moldovan defender just before Atiba Hutchinson could apply the finishing touch.
Though the Canadians emerged from the break to enjoy the better of play, they could not find the back of the net again.
After not scoring in nine consecutive games, Canada tallied in back-to-back outings for the first time since October 16, 2012.
