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James Rodriguez scores in 75th minute to give Colombia 1-0 win over Canada in friendly

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Colombia's James Rodriguez, center, begins to slide while celebrating his goal against Canada during the second half of an international soccer friendly match, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014, in Harrison, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (The Associated Press)

Colombia's James Rodriguez, bottom, celebrates with teammates Juan Caudrado, left, and Pablo Armero after scoring a goal against Canada during the second half of an international soccer friendly match, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014, in Harrison, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (The Associated Press)

James Rodriguez scored on a quick restart in the 75th minute and Colombia beat Canada 1-0 in the nightcap of an international friendly doubleheader Tuesday night.

After being frustrated repeatedly by goalkeeper Milan Borjan and a Canadian team that defended with numbers, Rodriguez drew a foul just outside the penalty area. While Canada tried to arrange its wall, Juan Fernando Quintero set the ball and quickly played it square across to Rodriguez, who scored on a left-footed shot that beat Borjan inside the right post.

The goal electrified the partisan crowd of 22,727 and gave Colombia its second victory in five days at Red Bull Arena. It defeated El Salvador 3-0 on Friday before a sellout crowd of 25,000.

Ecuador beat El Salvador 5-1 in Tuesday's opening game.