De Guzman, De Rosario named to Canada’s roster for Argentina friendly

Toronto FC announced Friday that midfielders Julian de Guzman and Dwayne De Rosario have been named to Canada’s roster for the upcoming international friendly against Argentina. The match, scheduled for Monday, May 24 will be played in Buenos Aires as part of the bicentenary anniversary of the country’s independence. Both players will depart for Argentina after Toronto FC’s Nutrilite Canadian Championship match in Vancouver May 19 and re-join the team in San Jose for their next league match on Saturday, May 29.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for both these players,” said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. “The chance to compete for your country against one of the best teams in the world is an honour. We wish them all the best, and look forward to having them back against San Jose.”

De Guzman is looking to earn his 44th cap with the National team. His last appearance for Canada came on January 31 in a 1-0 loss in a friendly against Jamaica in Kingston.

De Rosario heads into the game with 53 caps for the National side and last suited up for them in a 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas on September 10, 2008. The Toronto FC captain has recorded 15 goals for the Canadian team.

This will be the first meeting between Canada and Argentina, and will be the final game for the hosts prior to the start of their FIFA 2010 World Cup campaign. Argentina opens up in South Africa on June 12 and will face Nigeria.