Wisconsin Soccer Central

Tosaint Ricketts (UW-Green Bay) helped the Canadian national team get its 2014 schedule off to a good start, drawing a penalty that led to their lone goal in a 1-1 draw in a friendly against Bulgaria on Friday in Ritzing, Austria.

With Canada trailing after conceding an 18th-minute goal, Ricketts was kicked in the face by Bulgarian defender Svetoslav Dyakov after a corner kick. Atiba Hutchinson converted from the spot in the 27th to level the score.

The 26-year-old Ricketts had a chance to put Canada ahead a few minutes later, as he was played in by Hutchinson, but Bulgarian goalkeeper Vladislav Stojanov made the save. Stoyanov couldn't hold the shot, but denied Randy Edwini-Bonsu's follow-up.

Ricketts, who is currently without a club after reaching an agreement to leave Turkish second-division side Bucaspor after one season, played the full 90 minutes and also was issued a yellow card in the 48th minute in his 31st cap.

Canada, which faces Moldova in a friendly Tuesday in Mauer, Austria, hasn't won a match since October 2013 – they went 0-9-3 and were outscored 18-1 last year.

On Twitter: @TosaintRicketts