USA vs. Canada: Score, Grades, Twitter Reaction and Analysis

The centennial celebration of the Canadian national soccer team started off with a bang...and then went on with a thud for the better part of 90 minutes. Both Canada and the USA left their fair share of scoring opportunities on the table at BMO Field in Toronto on Sunday in what turned out to be a scoreless draw in the final tune-up for both sides before Brazil 2014 qualifying.

The Canucks trailed in shots (12-9) and possession (62-38), but have reason to be incensed about coming away with anything less than a victory—if there is, indeed, any cause for outcry after a friendly. Nikolas Ledgerwood had a 34th-minute score wiped away on what appeared to be a weak foul by Dwayne De Rosario against Edgar Castillo.

On the other end, Team USA struggled to create chances, particularly out of the midfield, and only occasionally managed to put pressure on Canada's back line in the final third of the pitch. In fact, one of America's best scoring chances—a long-range wonder strike by Castillo (i.e. Fabian Johnson's replacement)—came from 40 yards out.

The Americans nearly extended their road winning streak to four matches, though, on a Michael Bradley free kick in extra time that was nearly headed in, but it was ultimately deflected away in a brilliant effort by Canadian keeper Lars Hirschfeld. 

On the bright side for the US, Clint Dempsey played the full time without pain and put up four shots, including one on a nifty give-and-go with Landon Donovan.

Tweets of the Night

Sound of Music or Game of Thrones? Men in Blazers co-host Roger Bennett would like to know, America:

"

Is anyone watching the Von Trapps tussle with mighty Canada or are you all Game of Throning?

— roger bennett (@rogbennett) June 3, 2012"

It's too bad the friendly didn't involve as much swashbuckling as it should've, right TSN's Bruce Arthur?

"

#canada RT @dbalke: @bruce_arthur Well they did start guys named Ricketts and Ocean against a team dressed like sailors.

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) June 3, 2012"

Who knew Bleacher Report's Michael Schottey was such a master of spelling?

"

You misspelled. "a billion" #USMNT RT @cmccollo: Two slow starts in a row...can't let that become a pattern.

— Michael Schottey (@Schottey) June 3, 2012"

Grades for Key Canada Players

Dwayne De Rosario: B

Does Dwayne De Rosario deserve credit for the one shot he registered, or blame for the weak foul "taken" on Edgar Castillo?

Perhaps both, perhaps neither, though it was nonetheless disappointing not to see one of Canada's most venerable contributors fail to do much to celebrate the centennial.

Lars Hirschfeld: A

There's not much more a 'keeper can do than keep his sheet clean, and that's exactly what Lars Hirschfeld did. The 33-year-old from Edmonton stopped all four shots on goal that came his way, some in rather spectacular fashion.

Grades for Key USA Players

Clint Dempsey: A-

The fact that Clint Dempsey was able to stay on the pitch for the entire match was victory enough for Jurgen Klinsmann and US men's national team, though his four shots (two on goal) were pleasant to see as well. With some better service in by his midfield, the Fulham star may well have netted a goal, too.

Landon Donovan: B-

Landon Donovan wasn't exactly the dynamic force that most American fans expect from him. He managed to get in a few solid runs, including a two-man effort with Dempsey that nearly resulted in a score, but along with the rest of the US midfield, he didn't exactly impose his will on his Canadian counterpart.

Deciding Factor: Karma

The USMNT would've snuck away with a win if not for the excellent efforts of Lars Hirschfeld, and would've slunk away with a loss if the officials hadn't called Dwayne De Rosario for a weak foul.

So, all told, a draw was a rather fitting result. 

Man of the Match: Hirschfeld

Sure, Lars Hirschfeld may not be the most exciting name (especially for Team USA supporters), but he made all the difference in the result.

What's Next?

Both sides will begin their respective campaigns for World Cup qualification on Saturday, with Canada shipping south to combat Cuba and the USA welcoming Antigua and Barbuda to Tampa.

Follow @Josh_E_Martin