USMNT completes perfect window with 1-0 win against Canada
Justin Ellis' second international goal was the difference in the United States' Men's National Team's 1-0 victory against Canada on Tuesday. Nursing a leg injury, Ellis scored on a cross from Alex Freeman in the 29th minute to defeat the northern neighbors, behind a clean sheet from Brian Schwake in his first USMNT start.
U.S. won a physical battle
At times, Canada seemed more interested in fouling the American players than scoring themselves. There were many physical duels, especially in the midfield, and the USMNT showed poise not to overreact and kept playing their game. The referee was hesitant to blow his whistle in many instances, but Giovanni Reyna and Malik Tillman ended the match with yellow cards, along with Canada's Tani Oluwaseyi and Jonathan David.
A gritty win like this shows that this team remains up for the challenge. They did not get overconfident after Saturday's 3-0 drubbing of Mexico and outlasted a Canada side that won each of the two previous meetings. The young players responded well in these rivalry matches and answered the call, many proving they should remain in Pochettino's squad.
A perfect break
The USMNT won all four of its matches this international window, defeating Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada by a combined margin of 12-3. That's pretty impressive for a team with 13 debutants. All four goalkeepers were given a start, and four teenagers scored: Julian Hall (3), Justin Ellis (2), Mathis Albert and Cavan Sullivan. World Cup standouts Malik Tillman and Sebastian Berhalter also provided two goals apiece.
Mauricio Pochettino could not have managed this team much better. He commanded the best out of every performance and delivered two lopsided wins against South American teams and clean sheets against both border neighbors. The World Cup ended on a sour note, but this team immediately reinstated belief in the project.
Roster takeaways from tonight's match
Some big names were not included in this squad due to injury or poor form, so Pochettino will have many tough decisions to make with his next selection in November. The first name on his list should be Alex Freeman, who continues to prove he is the best defender in the country. His defensive presence is strong, and he showed tonight that he can bolster the attack as well. Still just 22 years old, Freeman should be a pillar of the USMNT defense for years.
Brian Schwake looked excellent tonight and should be given another opportunity. He made three big saves tonight and surely put more pressure on Matt Freese. The goalkeeping situation has been a problem for some time, but Schwake, along with Diego Kochen, proved they are up for the challenge.
Yunus Musah's time has passed him by. A talented player with great versatility, but the other midfielders are simply performing at a higher level. He started on the wing and wasn't comfortable on the ball. He made a couple of horrific passes, and there was a noticeable difference when Dest replaced him after the half. I just don't know where Musah fits in this team when players like McKennie and Cardoso get healthy, especially given the way Adams, Berhalter, and Tillman are playing.
Looking ahead to November's Nations League quarterfinal against Haiti, there is nothing but optimism about the USMNT. The young stars showed they are able to compete, and Pochettino seems determined to make this summer's Round of 16 exit this team's floor. This was a great step in the right direction, and if players bring this form to their clubs, the USMNT is in a strong position to maintain the momentum.
