The U.S. men’s national team earned a 1-0 win against Concacaf rival Canada in a friendly at St. Paul, Minnesota’s Allianz Field on Tuesday.
Off to a scrappy start that included a total of nine fouls from Canada in the first 18 minutes, the U.S. eventually took the lead when 19-year-old Justin Ellis found the back of the net in the first half. After the halftime break, Canada pushed forward and controlled more of the possession, but were unable to get any opportunity past U.S. goalkeeper Brian Schwake by the final whistle.
With the result in hand, U.S coach Mauricio Pochettino has now closed out the fall international break with a 4W-0D-0L record.
Manager rating (out of 10)
Mauricio Pochettino, 8 — Not easy to face the physicality of the game, but Pochettino & Co. found a way to deal with the fouls, provide some aggressive clashes themselves, create the game-changing chance for Ellis, and absorb attacking pressure in the second half. Far from perfect, but it was likely going to be that way when considering the state of the feisty rivalry match.
Player ratings (0-10; 10 = best; 5 = average)
GK Brian Schwake, 8 — An impressive high claim and three saves that led to a well-deserved clean sheet. Only a matter of time before he cements a regular starting role?
DF Alex Freeman, 8 — The assist alone is worth an 8/10. Freeman had a few big defensive moments and sprints forward, but it was the work in build-up to Ellis’ goal that was the highlight.
DF George Campbell, 8 — Campbell had two of the most significant defensive interventions in the match that seemed destined for a Canada goal. The 25-year-old moved up in the depth chart after this performance.
DF Chris Richards, 7 — The captain on the night had a solid partnership with Campbell and was great with his aerial duels. Still an indispensable member of the backline.
DF Auston Trusty, 6 — A solid overall performance but struggled with a few of his duels. Trusty also labored following a heavy aerial collision with Jonathan David in the second half that impacted his final minutes.
MF Giovanni Reyna, 7 — Playing in a deeper role, Reyna sat near the heart of the XI and won a number of fouls. He was also a reliable distributor going forward.
MF Brooklyn Raines, 5 — Had a couple of bright moments but was arguably the quietest player of the XI.
MF Yunus Musah, 5 — Musah had a noteworthy giveaway that led to a Canada shot and didn’t positively impact the final third as much as the other midfielders.
MF Malik Tillman, 7 — Provided the hockey assist for the lone goal. Tillman showcased some good chemistry in the attack and also provided a few ball recoveries.
MF Mathis Albert, 7 — Showcased clever dribbles, won fouls and even got involved with a few defensive interventions. A step forward for the teenage winger.
FW Justin Ellis, 8 — After suffering an early knock that briefly had him taken off the field, a hobbling Ellis did well to connect with Freeman’s zipped service and find the back of the net.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
MF Sebastian Berhalter, 6 — Helped win back the ball but wasn’t as explosive as he was in his previous performance.
MF Sergiño Dest, 5 — Not much to say about the attack-minded fullback who played in a more atypical spot on the left flank. Only connected a couple passes in the opposition’s half.
FW Julian Hall, 6 — Nearly had a goal and a few clever runs, but wasn’t able to find the back of the net.
MF Tyler Adams, 7 — Looked more confident than Raines in the center of the pitch.
MF Cole Campbell, 5 — A conservative showing with just a few connected passes, although his time on the pitch was very limited.
DF Antonee Robinson, NR — Subbed on in 74th minute.
MF Adri Mehmeti, NR — Subbed on in 74th minute.
DF Neil Pierre, NR — Subbed on in 74th minute.
