The US men's national team completed a perfect September/October FIFA international window with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada on Tuesday night at Minnesota United FC's Allianz Field.
A physical first half-hour culminated in a limping Justin Ellis opening the scoring with his second goal in his second USMNT start before exiting the game with a knock at halftime.
Assisted by former Orlando City teammate Alex Freeman following slick interplay with Malik Tillman down the right flank, the 19-year-old forward extended the USMNT's program record to 11 consecutive matches with a first-half goal.
Canada pushed for a second-half equalizer, coming closest when Real Salt Lake defender Luc de Fougerolles connected with a cross from LAFC midfielder Mathieu Choinière, smacking his volley off the crossbar with a slight touch from Nashville SC and USMNT goalkeeper Brian Schwake.
Courtesy of goals from MLS players in each match, the USMNT secured their fourth win of the extended FIFA international window and snapped a two-game losing streak against their northern neighbors.
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: In a youth-led international window that included 13 national team debuts to begin the 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle, the USMNT proved a new generation is prepared to make an impact with four consecutive victories.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The winning goal, of course. Alex Freeman dashed down the right wing, played a give-and-go with Malik Tillman, then laid it on a platter for former Orlando City teammate Justin Ellis.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Alex Freeman. In his program-leading 25th consecutive appearance, the Villarreal fullback provided the game-winning assist while recording the most defensive contributions (nine) in a 90-minute performance.
Next Up
- USA: Monday, Nov. 14 vs. Haiti | Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals
- CAN: Monday, Nov. 13 vs. Guatemala | Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals
