Canada builds momentum with 2-0 win over Peru, sets sights on USMNT clash Oct. 6

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

Canada put together another commanding performance under Jesse Marsch, defeating Peru 2-0 on Saturday at CF Montréal’s Stade Saputo and setting up a key test against the US men’s national team next week.

The win featured a two-goal showing from LAFC’s Jacob Shaffelburg, who burst down the wing and scored in what the match coverage described as his first goals for Canada in almost two years. Shaffelburg’s goals came in a performance that framed Canada’s attack as sharp and confident at both ends of the pitch, with the team generating a large volume of chances despite the final margin.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Shaffelburg said he had not scored at all earlier in the year and that “to get two goals is unbelievable for my confidence right now.” He also emphasized the group’s shared belief in creating and converting opportunities, adding, “We trust each other that we can score. We’re scoring a lot of goals in practice all the time, so just to see it in the game is nice, but we all know we can do it.”

The second goal was part of a broader theme in Canada’s display: the team’s ability to control the rhythm of the match and limit Peru’s ability to threaten. The source reports that Canada peppered Peru with 17 shots and demonstrated a more clinical edge in front of goal, while the defence and midfield combined to nullify Peru’s efforts.

Beyond Shaffelburg’s brace, the game also highlighted other contributors in Canada’s current setup. Liam Millar, identified in the source as a Birmingham City player, provided dangerous deliveries that helped energize the match, while Atlético Madrid striker Jonathan David continued to threaten during Canada’s time in possession and attack.

Marsch also addressed the performance after the match, describing it as representative of games in which Canada made opponents look uncomfortable. He said, “These are two matches where we made them look bad. We walk away feeling like we should score multiple goals, because the identity and the clarity and the talent on the pitch are at a high level.” Marsch added, “We’re able to control matches and make teams look bad and make them make it look like they never have a chance in the match.”

Saturday’s lineup included a mix of established players and younger options, reflecting a continuing focus on the next phase of the national team. The source notes that seven players with 10 caps or fewer took the field, including a first start for Toronto FC’s 18-year-old Richard Chukwu and Dundee FC goalkeeper Owen Goodman.

Goodman, 22, earned a debut clean sheet, marking a new milestone after the citizenship process mentioned in the source. The match also offered brief opportunities for additional younger players: Jamie Knight-Lebel and Jovan Ivanisevic, both described as center backs, came on for 25 minutes each, giving a glimpse at Marsch’s evolving player pool.

The game carried additional significance in Montréal for Canadian supporters because of the presence of CF Montréal and national team legend Samuel Piette. The source says Piette may have made his final appearance with Les Rouges and received the captain’s armband from Stephen Eustáquio to applause, followed by a pre-game ceremony celebrating his career.

Piette helped close out the match in his 70th appearance for Les Rouges, according to the source, and off-roster stars Ismaël Koné, Moïse Bombito and Orlando City’s Maxime Crépeau attended to pay tribute. Marsch said Piette spoke to the team before the match, adding that the message was “very moving,” though the source credits the remarks as Piette’s reported words to the group rather than as Marsch’s own quoted evaluation.

The source also includes Piette’s response to retirement questions, with the midfielder “adamantly” denying retiring from the program. Piette was quoted saying: “We do this job for moments and emotions like this... To have the big cheer and support from all the fans here, it was massive.”

With the Peru match completed, Canada now turns quickly to what the source describes as the most important clash of the international window. The next matchup is a battle with border rivals, the US men’s national team, on Oct. 6 at Minnesota United’s Allianz Stadium.

The lead-in to that game is framed as a contrast in styles and recent challenges. The source says Canada previously struggled to generate chances against a nine-man Chile for 40 minutes in a 1-0 win, before producing a more dominant offensive showing against Peru. For the US, the source characterizes the team as “youthful” and “MLS-heavy,” setting expectations for an opponent with athleticism and a specific way of playing.

Marsch discussed the upcoming matchup by pointing to the opponent’s quality and coaching. He said of facing his native country: “We know that we’ll have an opponent that has a lot of quality, that is athletic, that has a good coach, and a good way of playing.” He added, “It’ll be a big challenge for us, but we feel confident against any opponent that we play, and that if we dictate the terms of the match and control the game the way we like to control it, we feel like we can beat just about anybody.”

For Canada, the Peru result sharpens the immediate picture ahead of the USMNT game: Shaffelburg’s return to scoring, continued attacking pressure led by multiple threats, and a debut clean sheet from Owen Goodman all combine to create momentum as the program moves into its next chapter on Oct. 6.