Former UCSB soccer star Rob Friend came on as a second-half substitute for Canada in a 2-0 loss to the United States in both teams’ opening group-play match of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Tuesday night in Detroit.
Friend replaced Dwayne De Rosario at striker in the 81st miunte and created some dangerous opportunities for Canada.
Friend, 30, was making his 33rd appearance with the national team. He plays professionally in Germany with Hertha Berlin.
Friend played at UCSB in 2001-02. He was the Gauchos’ first All-American in 2002, scoring 20 goals that season and leading the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
Canada next faces Guadeloupe in Tampa Bay on Saturday.
