James Rodriguez scored in the 74th minute to give Colombia a 1-0 victory over Canada on Tuesday in an international football friendly.

The Real Madrid striker, who was the top goal scorer in this year's World Cup, rescued the South American squad from a spirited display by the 120th-ranked team in the world.

It was Colombia's second victory in five days after a 3-0 triumph over El Salvador on Friday at the same suburban New York pitch, home of Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls.

Radamel Falcao, a striker for Manchester United on loan from Monaco, was pulled in the 67th minute. His best scoring chance came early in the second half when he split two defenders but lofted a shot over the crossbar from atop the penalty area.

The match was the closer of an international friendly twin bill that opened with Ecuador defeating El Salvador 5-1.

Two goals each from Enner Valencia and Joao Plata powered Ecuador. Plata found the net in the 16th and 25th minutes while Valencia scored in the 18th and 73rd minutes and Cristian Penilla added the match's final goal in the 83rd minute.

The only Salvadoran goal came off a penalty kick by Rafael Burgos in first-half stoppage time.