The latter comes when Canada (1-0-1 in the fourth round of CONCACAF 2018 World Cup Russia playdowns) meets world No. 22 Mexico (2-0) in a crucial Group A qualifying set March 25 at B.C. Place Stadium and March 29 at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

Canada is tied for 85th in the world rankings with Rwanda and Burkina Faso. The U.S. (1-0-1 in its fourth-round CONCACAF Group C) is ranked No. 32.

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The last two Canada-US meetings, both friendlies, resulted in scoreless draws in 2012 at BMO Field in Toronto and in 2013 at Houston with goalkeeper Simon Thomas of Victoria earning the clean sheet in the latter game.

“Even though [tonight] is a friendly, we still are looking to get a positive result out of the game,” said Canadian starting defender Adam Straith of Victoria.

“We are at the stage of qualifying now where points matter, so it’s important to get into the mindset where every game counts. At the same time, it’s also an opportunity for some players that are new in the team, or maybe have not had the opportunity to get playing time in the past, to get a game against a very good CONCACAF team. It’s getting closer and closer to March, and it would be nice to go into the games against Mexico with positive results down here against the U.S.”

The Canadian team has been based the past week in San Diego for a training camp.

“It’s been a good week so far down here,” said Straith, a 25-year-old Bays United and Lower Island Metro product who plays pro in Norway.

“We have a few new players in camp and guys that haven’t been around for a number of months, so it’s nice to get everyone working a little bit longer than usual in preparation for a good test [tonight].”

One of those newcomers is surprise call-up Jamar Dixon, a dynamic midfielder who played two seasons with the Victoria Highlanders of the Premier Development League before going on to a pro career in Finland.

“Jamar has been looking sharp, He is showing in training that he deserves to get a look with the team,” said Straith, who will be looking for his 33rd cap tonight.

“It’s nice to see a player who has moved up so quickly. He’s a good example for local players of how quickly things can happen if the right amount of work is put in. Hopefully, Jamar can get some minutes [tonight] to show what he is about.”

Canadian head coach Benito Floro wants to make full use of the camp and tonight’s game.

“Every day and every camp is preparation for the next official game in FIFA World Cup qualifiers,” said Floro, in a statement.

“For our players, we want them to play well and to do the things to win the game, to develop those ideal situations.”

cdheensaw@timescolonist.com

Twitter.com/tc_vicsports