It was only a third-placed match but Canada MNT vs the US MNT is always a game you don’t want to miss.
With political tensions surrounding both countries over tariffs, Donald Trump and his crazy 51st state comments, the stakes in this game were higher than before. Both teams also needed to salvage something in the CONCACAF Nations League after disappointing semi-final defeats on Thursday. The US lost late to Panama, while Canada couldn’t figure out how to break down Mexico’s defence.
But while they may not have won a trophy, beating the US in a third place match isn’t too shabby. It’s something.
First half: A few worries but solid
The US were quick on the transitions to start the game, Moise Bombito was there to stop them.
Unfortunately, Alphonso Davies came off in the 11th minute with what looked like a left knee injury. As a result, Niko Sigur came on and Alistair Johnston had to be moved to the left. So that was an early kick in the nuts for Canada MNT.
It was an uneventful first 25 or so minutes but Canada started to put on the pressure. Then the breakthrough came. Ali Ahmed showed some great patience with the ball to find Jonathan David. The Lille striker’s shot was blocked but Tani Oluwaseyi was there to pounce on it. No way he was missing from there!
But all good things come to and end. The lead didn’t last long. The Americans didn’t generate anything offensively until the 35th minute. Weston Mckennie just coasted by Sigur and Tajon Buchanan like he was an F1 racer. Diego Luna was unmarked and he found Patrick Agyemang who beat Dayne St. Clair. This was an all-around brutal goal to give up.
Overall, it was not a bad half for Canada. Johnston and Ahmed were doing well on the left and so were Buchanan and Sigur on the right. Canada MNT were the more threatening team and the US were looking rattled before they scored.
But they had another half to prove they wanted it more.
Second half: Marsch loses his cool, David proves he’s the “iceman”
Canada MNT head coach Jesse Marsch was not happy with the missed penalty call in the game against Mexico.
Early in the second-half against the US, David was taken down in the box twice. None were justifiable enough to be penalties because there was little contact. However, Marsch seemed to think so and saw red, literally. He was very angry that the Canada did not get any penalty calls and was sent to the stands.
But the passionate coach’s sending off must have sparked something in Canada. Just a few minutes later, David awoke and blasted the ball past Turner. Ahmed was once again involved in this goal and he directly got the assist. What a strike by David, this was what Canadian soccer fans wanted to see from him.
The US still weren’t out of it and were swarming Canada’s 18-yard-box. But Canada managed to hang on defensively, which included a massive block by Johnston on Tim Weah. Dayne St. Clair also had to make a big save off Luna. That was the Americans’ second shot on target.
Bombito and Cornelius also stood tall to prevent the US from tying the match. It was also interesting that US head coach Mauricio Pochettino took off Christian Pulisic for Tanner Tessman. Perhaps, he should’ve left his best player on? But like the game against Panama, Pulisic and the US attack disappeared.
But that’s the Americans. For the Canadians, this was their first win over the US on American soil in a competitive match for the first time since 1957. Canada MNT also beat
Stat of the match
According to FotMob, David had the least touches out any outfield player who played 90 minutes. (37) It didn’t matter as he got a goal and an assist.
Tweet of the match
Glad I wasn’t the only one who thought of this when Marsch was shown in the suite.
Wrap-up: Third place is better than nothing
As for Canada, it was disappointing to not win the Nations League but beating the US is always sweet, even if it was only a third place match. It was a solid effort by the team despite losing Davies. Johnston really impressed on the left-side, despite not having played there his entire life and Sigur looked solid after he came on.
It was bold of Marsch to not play Eustaquio but Chioniere and Kone were great at winning the ball and progressing it up the pitch. Ahmed once again showed why he is continuing to rise as his passes and creatvity were on full display.
Before the Gold Cup begins on June 14, Canada will play Ukraine, Côte d’Ivoire and New Zealand in a series of friendlies at Toronto’s BMO Field in the week or so before the tournament. These games will be called the Canadian Shield Tournament.
There is a lot to learn from finishing third at the CONCACAF Nations League and there is a lot of time to regroup before the Gold Cup. Hopefully, the 25-year trophy drought ends in the summer.
