The World Cup is in the rearview mirror, Canada’s men’s national team has returned north of the border with a program-best result and there’s now have a new, clear goal: qualify for the 2030 World Cup — and do so as a Pot 2 team, among the top half of those that will compete at the end of another four-year journey.

At first glance, that feels ambitious for a team that only earned its first World Cup points ever this summer. But still, in the first game since round-of-16 elimination, Canada took steps towards continuing its ascent.

Sounds like there was a fight and a soccer game broke out

Saturday night, Jesse Marsch’s side opened a three-game international window with a convincing and oft-testy 1-0 friendly win over Chile. The visitors were reduced to nine men by the 50th minute following two flagrant red cards and attempted to goad Canada into unnecessary fouls. While Chile’s play might have forced Canada into some questionable actions close to goal, the game did not get away from the hosts.