CARSON, Calif. – Jozy Altidore scored on a header in the 89th minute, and the United States wrapped up its annual year-opening camp with a 1-0 victory over Canada in an exhibition on Friday night.
Altidore converted a long crossing pass from substitute Ethan Finlay on the left flank, splitting defenders Samuel Adekugbe and Doneil Henry for his second goal in two exhibitions.
Altidore scored his 33rd international goal, moving one behind Eric Wynalda for third on the U.S. careerlist. inlay earned an assist in his second U.S. appearance.
Goalkeeper David Bingham posted a shutout in his U.S. debut, and the Americans followed up their 3-2 victory over Iceland in last Sunday's opener by largely dominating play in front of a small but enthusiastic crowd of 9,274.
In the Americans' last scheduled match before resuming World Cup qualifying at Guatemala on March 25, coach Jurgen Klinsmann largely chose a lineup of veterans in front of Bingham. The Americans had numerous strong chances before Altidore finally broke through, but Montreal Impact goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made several outstanding stops for Canada.
The U.S. hasn't lost at home to Canada since July 6, 1957, going 9-0-9.
Klinsmann split his camp roster between veterans and nine regulars from the under-23 team. On the same days the senior team plays Guatemala, the youngsters face Colombia in a two-leg playoff for the final spot in the Rio Olympics men's soccer tournament.
With the European-based Americans and other MLS veterans allowed to stay home from a game not on a FIFA fixture date, several youngsters capitalized on the opportunities.
Bingham, a Bay Area native and San Jose Earthquakes regular, became the seventh goalkeeper to play for Klinsmann since February 2015. Stanford defender Brandon Vincent made his first appearance as a substitute at the start of the second half, becoming the sixth U.S. player to make his debut in two exhibitions this year.
The U.S. attack applied pressure early and often. Altidore got off an early shot that ricocheted off the post twice while Crepeau barely saved it, and Steven Birnbaum's point-blank header was stopped in the 25th minute.
Jordan Morris, starting up front with Altidore, attempted to loft an arching shot over Crepeau after a similarly high pass from Altidore later in the first half. The Seattle Sounders' new signee couldn't find the goal.
Altidore barely missed the net with a curling free kick in the 81st minute, and Crepeau barely recovered two minutes later when Altidore chipped another chance over his head.
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