Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team faced its first defeat of the CONCACAF Final Round of FIFA World Cup Qualifying, losing 1:0 to Costa Rica.

Canada remains at the top of the table with two matches remaining, needing just one point to secure its spot in the World Cup, according to Canada Soccer report, the governing body for soccer in Canada, a Member Association of FIFA and Concacaf.

"Costa Rican defenders did a great job to block multiple shot attempts," said the organization in its statement.

Canada was reduced to 10 men in the 34’ when Mark-Anthony Kaye was shown a second yellow card.

Costa Rica took the lead in first half stoppage time, scoring on the second phase of a deep free kick when a cross into the middle of the box was headed into the net by Celso Borges (45+1’).

Canada came out in the second half as they looked for the equalizer, despite being down a player.

Costa Rica’s best opportunity to double the lead came in the 53’ when Joel Campbell found himself in behind the Canadian defence. Borjan chose to stay deep in his net, and Hutchinson did well to sprint back and put some pressure on the striker, and Borjan was able to get enough on his save to stop the shot and then cover the rebound.

Canada had a opportunity to equalize in the 73’. Some footwork by Junior Hoilett allowed him to find the space to play a pass into Laryea. Laryea’s shot was saved by Keylor Navas, star goalkeeper of Costa Rica Team and top player of the Paris Saint-Germain F. C. of France.

The game between the Ticos and the current leader team of the Concacaf standings toke place last night at the National Stadium in Sabana District, San José.

The Costa Rica team will also have to play against El Salvador at Cuscatlán Stadium in El Salvador on Sunday, March 27. Then, Ticos must face the U.S. soccer team on Wednesday, March 30 at the National Stadium.

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the FIFA World Cup. The international tournament is the quadrennial men's football championship played by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA. The competition is scheduled to take place in Qatar from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18.

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