Larin strikes twice as Canada ascends to top of World Cup qualifying group with win over Mexico | CBC Sports

Larin’s two-goal performance gave him a total of 22 for the national side, tying Dwayne De Rosario as the top Canadian men’s goal-scorer in history.

Just before the end of the first half, a skipping shot from Canadian defender Alistair Johnston could only be parried by Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa. The ball fell right into the path of Larin, who made no mistake.

WATCH | Larin ties De Rosario’s goal record as Canada tops Mexico:

Larin brace moves Canada past Mexico and to top of CONCACAF World Cup group table

Cyle Larin’s two-goal performance gave him a total of 22 for the national side, tying Dwayne De Rosario as the top Canadian men’s goal-scorer in history and also gave Canada a 2-1 win over Mexico, moving them to the top of their CONCACAF World Cup group. 2:03

Johnston’s shot looked to accelerate after it took a wicked hop on the artificial turf, an effect of a slick, cold ball on a hardened playing surface. According to Environment Canada, the game time temperature was at — 9 C, with a wind chill of — 14 C. If there was a moment that justified Canada Soccer’s decision to stage this game in Edmonton on a November night, that was it.

Larin struck again seven minutes into the second half, as he side-footed home an inch-perfect cross from Stephen Eustaquio, leaving Ochoa flailing on the goal line.

The Mexicans made it close with an 89th-minute goal from the head of substitute Hector Herrera.

WATCH | Borjan seals Canada’s win over Mexico with key stops:

Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan makes goal-line saves to preserve win over Mexico

In added time, Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan was forced to make a couple of goal-line saves as Canada held on to a 2-1 win over Mexico. 1:43

And then, in five minutes of added time, they came at the Canadians in waves, forcing ‘keeper Milan Borjan into two goal-line saves.

Larin’s opener punctuated what was a chippy first half from both teams. Right after the opening kickoff, a Canadian defender flattened Mexican star winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. Guatemalan referee Mario Escobar ruled it a legal challenge, but Lozano was down on the turf for several minutes.

The game then transformed into a maelstrom of fouls — a total of 23 in the first half, with 13 of them called on the Mexicans.

Escobar also showed yellow cards to both teams’ benches in the first 45.

WATCH | Measuring Canada’s home-field advantage for WC qualifiers in Edmonton:

Gunning for 2022 World Cup, Canada finally has a true home-field advantage

CBC’s Signa Butler is joined by Chris Jones to break down Canada’s World Cup CONCACAF qualification games in Edmonton, including the atmosphere at the game against Costa Rica, the anticipated weather conditions for Tuesday’s match against Mexico, and the optimism surrounding the team as they look to qualify for Qatar 2022. 4:13

But the Mexicans were held to zero attempts on target. It wasn’t until the dying moments of the team, down two goals, that the visitors came alive.

On a night that Larin was in the spotlight, Atiba Hutchinson started the game for Canada — earning his 90th cap for his country. He passed Julian de Guzman as the most-capped men’s player in Canadian soccer history.

The crowd was announced at 44,212 — despite the fact Canada Soccer announced on Monday that more than 50,000 tickets were sold. But Edmonton was hit with heavy snow Monday and through the day Tuesday, leading to no-shows. A total of 48,806 showed up for Friday’s 1-0 triumph over Costa Rica, on a calm 1 C evening.

Crews worked furiously before the game, repainting the field lines and shovelling snow that had accumulated near the pitch.

WATCH | Prime Minister visits Canadian men’s soccer team ahead of Mexico match:

Justin Trudeau meets the Canadian men’s national soccer team

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, paid a visit to the Canadian men’s national soccer team as they prepare to face Mexico in the final round of World Cup qualifiers. After beating Costa Rica 1-0 on Friday, Canada returns to Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, but this time it’s going to be a lot colder. The temperature should be hovering at about -6ºC at kickoff on Tuesday evening. 1:01

Antonio missile helps Jamaica draw U.S.

Tim Weah’s 11th-minute goal was matched by Michail Antonio’s spectacular 34-yard strike in the 22nd minute, leaving the United States with a 1-1 draw against Jamaica in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.

Coming off Friday’s 2-0 home win against Mexico, the U.S. was looking to move into strong position to reach the World Cup as qualifying passed the halfway point. But a point on the road still left the Americans on track to claim one of three spots from North and Central America and the Caribbean.

WATCH | Antonio’s spectacular strike helps Jamaica draw vs. United States:

Michail Antonio rocket earns Jamaica a draw with the United States

West Ham United star Michail Antonio scored a stunning equalizer as Jamaica earned a 1-1 draw with the United States in World Cup qualifying in Kingston, Jamaica. 0:45

The U.S., which survived a disallowed Jamaican goal in the 84th minute, has 15 points going into its final six qualifiers and sits alone in second place — one point ahead of Mexico.

Loud reggae played on speakers during warmups before a crowd of 1,100 at 35,000-seat Independence Park, known as The Office, where a statue of Bob Marley sits outside. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this was Jamaica’s first home game with fans since October 2019.