Another Gerba goal gives Canada 1-0 win over El Salvador

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07.07.09 - COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ali Gerba's goal in the 32nd minute gave Canada a 1-0 win over El Salvador Tuesday night and all but assured it of a berth in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The goal before a partisan El Salvadoran crowd at Columbus Crew Stadium was Gerba's sixth in Gold Cup play, eclipsing the Canadian record of Carlo Corazzin.

It also was Gerba's fifth goal in four games and 15 in his 26 matches.

More importantly, it moved Canada to the brink of the knockout round. Canada became the first team to reach six points, but with no draws yet in the tournament has not clinched a spot in the final eight.

Since Stephen Hart took over April 17 on an interim basis, Canada has won four in a row and appear poised to repeat its Gold Cup run of 2007.

In the earlier game, Costa Rica avenged its 1-0 loss to El Salvador with a 1-0 win over Jamaica, all but eliminating the Reggae Boyz.

Gerba, who was signed by Toronto FC last month, was added to bolster the Major League Soccer club's finishing and demonstrated his knack for positioning for the second straight game.

Defender Paul Stalteri's cross from the right side was headed away by defender Manuel Salazar, but only to the top of the penalty area. Patrice Bernier hit left-footed bouncer that Gerba was able to redirectwith an extended toe from the edge of the six-yard box.

El Salvador had two opportunities in the second half to equalize, but couldn't finish.

Canadian goalkeeper Greg Sutton stretched to stop Salvador Correas' high drive from 30 yards in the 55th minute.Two minutes later, William Reyes' header sailed just wide of the post.

El Salvador trained to attack the center of Canada's defense with its speed.But the Canadian midfield, led by Julian de Guzman, stifled those efforts.

De Guzman, Bernier and Atiba Hutchinson were instrumental in keeping the ball away from the Salvadorans in the first meeting between the two countries in 10 years.

After an uneventful 15 minutes with Canada controlling possession, the game opened up midway through the half.Gerba struck minutes later to give Canada a lead it would not relinquish.

El Salvador will face Jamaica on Friday, while Canada will face Costa Rica in Group A finale at Miami.