LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. - Tosaint Ricketts' second half goal was the winner on Wednesday as Canada picked up a 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in an international friendly.

Will Johnson added a late goal from the penalty spot as Canada easily could have put two or three more goals past Trinidad in a second half where they outplayed their Caribbean opponents.

Canada had dominated throughout the match but had to wait until the 57th minute when substitute Marcel De Jong crossed a ball in from the left side that Ricketts controlled on the right side of Trinidad's 18-yard box.

Ricketts capitalized on some poor marking as he had plenty of time to take the ball down, turn and line up a shot that tucked in under the crossbar.

With the temperature around 30 degrees at kickoff and humid, the play was lethargic for long periods in the game.

Canada got a great start as Ricketts, an Edmonton native, had a chance in the fifth minute as his tight angle shot gave Trinidad goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams some trouble.

Williams couldn't hold the shot and the rebound bounced up for Toronto FC midfielder Terry Dunfield but Dunfield's header was caught and held by Williams.

With 10 minutes remaining in the half, the ever-elusive Ricketts had another chance. Despite having two Trinidad defenders virtually on his back, Ricketts created space and unleashed a powerful shot that unfortunately for Canada came rattling back off the post.

Just two minutes after Ricketts' goal, Canada had to defend for virtually the first time of the night. After a scramble in the box, Trinidad forward Kevin Molino took a low shot from 12 yards out but Houston Dynamo defender Andre Hainault was there to block the goal-bound shot.

Canada resumes its World Cup qualifying campaign next month with two games against Panama. They'll play Panama first at BMO Field in Toronto on Sept. 7 before playing in Panama four days later.

Panama currently leads the group with six points after two games. Canada's in second with four points. The group also includes Cuba and Honduras. The top two teams advance to the final round of qualifying that takes place next year.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2012