Dwayne De Rosario (pictured) scored Canada's only in a 2-1 loss to Iceland on January 16, 2015, in Orlando, Florida, USA. (Photo: Mexsport)
ORLANDO, Florida – Iceland scored twice in the first half to defeat Canada 2-1 in an international friendly on Friday at the University of Central Florida Soccer and Track Complex.
The Canadians’ winless streak was extended to three games after going unbeaten in its previous three outings.
Iceland opened the scoring in the sixth minute. A cross by Rurik Gislason from the right-goal line found Kristinn Steindorsson, who headed it uncontested past goalkeeper Kenny Stamatopoulos from the edge of the six yard box.
The European side doubled its advantage three minutes before half-time, capitalizing on a moment of confusion in the Canadian defense. Solvi Geir Ottesen headed a right-sided cross towards the goal and Matthias Vilhjalmsson was there to dart a header home from seven-yards out.
In the 71st minute, Dwayne De Rosario – on the occasion of his 80th cap -- halved the deficit for Canada with his 21st career international goal. Maxim Tissot crossed from the right edge of the box, allowing De Rosario to head inside the right post as he fell backwards.
Canada head coach Benito Floro handed international debuts to Tissot, Christopher Mannella and Manjrekar James.
The sides will meet again on January 19 at the same venue.
