Goals from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey lifted the United States over Canada 2-0 in the first match of Group C for both teams at the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Toronto FC and Canadian midfielder Julian de Guzman missed the match. It was reported by Rogers Sportsnet that the TFC player is still recovering from a slight calf injury, and Canada head coach Stephen Hart felt it was best not to risk him so early in the tournament. 

The opening goal arrived at the 15th minute when Altidore fired a quick, fairly harmless looking shot that trickled under the left arm of Canada goalkeeper Lars Hirschfeld. Altidore, a former New York Red Bulls player in Major League Soccer is now on-loan in Turkey from Villarreal of Spain.

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Canada looked outmatched for the first half hour however, their attack found a pulse through former Toronto player Dwayne De Rosario at the 33rd minute. His shot from 25-yards skipped just wide of U.S.A. keeper Tim Howard’s goal.

The second U.S. strike came through Clint Dempsey at the 62nd minute. The ex-MLS star with New England turned Fulham favourite in England, tapped in an offering from Altidore inside the six-yard box. 

Two more players with Toronto ties were introduced into the match later in the second half. Ali Gerba came on for Canada and within five minutes of his introduction the Montreal Impact forward tested Howard with a fine volley. The Everton keeper in the U.S.A. goal was up to the task.

The Americans introduced Maurice Edu at the 79th minute. The Rangers standout in the Scottish top flight was Toronto’s first ever MLS SuperDraft pick, and the 2007 MLS Rookie of the Year in his only full season with the Reds.

Canada has two more games remaining in the group stage. They’ll take on Guadeloupe on June 11 in Tampa, Florida before finishing the round robin portion of the tournament against Panama on June 14. Top two teams from the three groups along with the two best third place finishers advance to the quarterfinal.