Marsch asserts Canada is ‘not a physical team’ following recent red card incident.

Coach Jesse Marsch emphasized that Canada is “not a dirty team” following his team’s red card in a third consecutive match during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Iceland in Toronto.

Tajon Buchanan received a red card in the 80th minute of the friendly for elbowing Iceland midfielder Mikael Ellertsson as the ball was going out of play.

This incident also represented the fourth occasion in the last eight matches that Canada has been shown a red card.

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<p"We're physical, we play hard, but we're not a dirty team," Marsch stated, expressing his disagreement with Buchanan's ejection. "I'm not concerned about developing a reputation, but certainly, cards like that can shift momentum in tournaments."

Jonathan David netted two penalties in the second half as Canada came back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a draw.

Orri Óskarsson scored both goals for Iceland.

The 29th-ranked Canadians are gearing up to co-host this summer’s World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, while Iceland, ranked No. 74 in FIFA’s last official list released in mid-January, did not qualify.

Óskarsson capitalized on a poor pass from Canadian center-back Kamal Miller, advancing alone and scoring past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair in the ninth minute to give Iceland a 1-0 lead.

The striker from Spanish club Real Sociedad extended the lead in the 21st minute after Ellertsson outpaced right back Niko Sigur to a ball in midfield. Óskarsson received a quick pass while on the move and composed himself before finishing well.

Canada pulled one back in the 67th minute when David confidently converted a penalty after Buchanan was fouled by Ellertsson. The Juventus striker added his second penalty in the 76th minute when substitute Daniel Jebbison was also fouled in the box before Buchanan was sent off.

“I was calm,” Marsch remarked regarding his halftime message. “What I told them was, ‘We’re still in control of the game, and if we increase the tempo, we’ll find the first goal, then the second goal, and ultimately the winner.’

“The only thing that disrupted that was the red card.”

The match was also significant for the debut of Marcelo Flores for Canada. The former Mexico international completed a one-time switch with FIFA in February.

“Amazing [to] finally wear the Maple Leaf,” the winger expressed. “Very proud.”

Canada now shifts its focus to Tuesday’s match against No. 47 Tunisia in another exhibition game, with many players aiming to secure roster spots or make an impression with the World Cup just 75 days away.

Canada will begin its tournament on June 12 in Toronto against the winner of a European playoff set for Tuesday between No. 13 Italy and No. 66 Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Canadians will then head west to face Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver.

“Every moment we spend together right now is an opportunity to create a lasting impression,” Marsch noted. “However, I don’t want them to feel excessive pressure. I want them to continue practicing the things we want to see.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.