Celtic defender Alistair Johnston played his part as Canada secured top spot in Group B at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 2-0 win over nine-man El Salvador.
The match at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston saw El Salvador implode in the first half, with Santos Ortiz and Jairo Henríquez both sent off. Henríquez was dismissed for an elbow on Johnston, who joined up with the national squad late after getting married earlier this summer.
ANOTHER RED CARD 🟥🟥
El Salvador is down to nine men before the interval with Jairo Henríquez sent off for an elbow on Alistair Johnston 💪
🔴 Watch LIVE on OneSoccer pic.twitter.com/i0DOUtWLX3
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) June 25, 2025
Despite a cagey opening 45 minutes, the Canadians took control following the dismissals. With a two-man advantage, they eased to victory in the second half to seal progression to the quarter-finals.
Johnston, one of the most consistent performers for club and country, was typically composed and solid down the right flank. His experience and leadership continue to be vital for Canada as they target a first Gold Cup title since 2000.
Canada’s win saw them top a group that also included Honduras, who finished second after Luis Palma’s dramatic last-minute goal against Curacao. It was a great strike from the Celtic winger, whose future still hangs in the balance.
The two nations now head into the knockouts with momentum, and the potential for another Celtic showdown looms large.
