The Canadian men’s national soccer team ended a 67-year losing streak against the United States on American soil with an impressive 2-1 win in a friendly on Saturday.
Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan David scored for 40th-ranked Canada, which went ahead 1-0 after a dominant first half. Substitute Luca de la Torre answered for 16th-ranked USA, which put up more resistance after the break.
Canada’s last win over the United States on American soil was a 3-2 win in a World Cup qualifier in St. Louis in July 1957. The Canadian men have since gone 23 games without a win against the U.S. in the United States, but they crushed their opponents on Saturday.
“We were on top the whole game,” Canada coach Jesse Marsh said. “We were strong. We were committed and (they) made me proud. I was proud to be their coach. That’s for sure.”
View | Canada beats the US:
Jonathan David scored as Canada beat England 2-1 in an international friendly in Kansas City.
Canada heads to Texas to play 17th-ranked Mexico in Arlington on Tuesday.
Saturday’s game showcased two programs in very different places.
In their first game after finishing fourth in the Copa America, the Canadians continued to impress with their aggressive and blistering attacking style under coach Marsch.
It was the first outing for the United States for assistant coach Mikey Varas, who was appointed interim manager after Gregg Berhalter was sacked on July 10 following their early exit from the Copa America. Former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is said to be the most likely permanent replacement.
Barras took responsibility for the defeat, with both of Canada’s goals coming as a result of defensive mistakes by his young squad.
“I wanted to give them some ideas, and after three training sessions you never know how that’s going to translate from training to games,” Baras said. “And I asked them a lot.”
Marsh, a former U.S. national team player who has been called up to the U.S. national team before, has been asked about the U.S. program in detail in recent weeks. He made it clear after Saturday’s game that he is in the right place.
“I’d much rather coach Canada than the United States… I wouldn’t trade coaching this team for anything in the world right now,” Marsch said.
A Strong Start for Canadians
Canada opened the scoring in the 17th minute and could have had more if not for U.S. goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.
Canada outscored the United States 11-1 (5-0 on target) through the first 45 minutes, with former Montreal midfielder and current Grasshoppers midfielder Mathieu Chounier and Vancouver Whitecaps winger Ali Ahmed both putting in impressive performances.
“They were both outstanding,” Marsh said.
Canada started brightly and took the lead when Johnny Cardoso’s pass was deflected deep into the U.S. end against Canada’s high press. The ball went from Stephen Eustaquio to David to Shaffelburg, who fired a left-footed shot past Schulte for Canada’s fourth goal.
The U.S. pulled one back in the 66th minute on a sloppy goal by de la Torre, his first for the national team, after Canada had trouble defending in their own box. Canada thought the goal should have been ruled offside.
Sporting Kansas City striker Steven Afrifa and CF Montreal midfielder Nathan Saliba made their first appearances for Canada in the 94th minute.
Young American side
The U.S. entered Saturday’s game with a 17-10-13 record against Canada. They were undefeated (8-0-2) at Children’s Mercy Park and had outscored opponents 20-2 heading into Saturday’s game.
Canada and the United States last met in July 2023, when the U.S. beat Canada on penalties in Cincinnati after a 2-2 quarterfinal tie in the Gold Cup. The month before, the U.S. beat Canada and then-coach John Herdman 2-0 in the CONCACAF Nations League final in Las Vegas.
In the 23rd minute, Canadian fullback Alistair Johnston had to leave with a thigh muscle strain and was replaced by Richie Laryea.
Canadian captain Alphonso Davies remained in the game despite needing treatment after falling from a billboard behind the U.S. goal, while Canadian defender Derek Cornelius continued playing with a bandage on his head after taking a hit.
The U.S. fielded a young starting 11, including eight players under the age of 23. Canada had just two players under the age of 23 (Davis and Ahmed, both 23), while it had seven players under the age of 25.
Canada’s starting XI have played in 361 career games, while the U.S. starting XI have played in 291 games.
The United States is without Gio Reyna, Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, Anthony Robinson and Tim Wea. Canada is without injured Sam Adekugbe and Theo Bear.
