June 5, 2008

SEATTLE, Wash. - After leading the German second division in scoring this year with Borussia Mönchengladbach, former UC Santa Barbara standout striker Rob Friend made headlines again when he scored a goal for the Canadian National Team in an international friendly against Brazil May 31 at Qwest Field.

The second-ranked Brazilians took an early lead on a goal by Diego in the fourth minute, but Friend brought Canada right back, scoring the equalizer on an impressive header in the 10th. The goal was Friend's second as a member of Canada's senior national team and first since he netted the game-winner against Jamaica September 4, 2006.

Canada went on to lose the match 3-2, but became just the third team to score two goals against Brazil in the last three seasons. The Canadians had much to be pleased about after a tremendous showing against a Brazilian roster that featured the likes of stars Pato, Robinho, Lucio, and Diego.

"To go a goal down in the fourth minute, it would have been easy to concede a lot more," said head coach Dale Mitchell. "We had a great response."

Brazil also got goals from Fabiano in the 45th minute and Robinho added the game-winner in the 63rd. Julian de Guzman scored for Canada in the 56th minute to tie the game at 2-2.

Information in this release courtesy of CanadaSoccer.com