The United States men's national team will be seeking answers and clarity, particularly regarding their still-unfilled head coach position, following a disappointing 2-1 loss to Canada in an international friendly on Saturday. It's a match the team, and its fans, will want to quickly forget and move on from.
The U.S. men's national team is expected to announce a coach soon, with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly set to come on. It's a good thing for the USMNT, too, because it will mean the world can forget about an absolutely dreadful performance by the Americans.
A new coach is coming for the USMNT, and they'll need him quickly if Saturday's friendly against Canada was any indication
With interim boss Mikey Varas in charge while the federation finalizes Pochettino’s contract, the United States fell to an embarrassing 2-1 friendly defeat to Canada in Kansas City on Saturday. It marked just the second time the USMNT had ever been beaten by Canada on home soil, and first since 1957.
Led by American head coach Jesse Marsch, who was vocal about his displeasure with the U.S. federation in the build-up to the match, Canada dominated the U.S. for the entire first half and large portions of the second half, deserving their victory.
Canada led 1-0 at the break on a goal from Jacob Shaffelburg, and would have been up by more if not for three beautiful saves by Patrick Schulte in the U.S. goal.
Ugly giveaways in their own defensive third plagued the USMNT as Marsch used his knowledge of the hosts to attack them with his press to perfection. Johnny Cardoso and Tim Ream were the ones with the most harmful of the lot, as each sent the ball directly to a Canadian player to setup both goals.
Jonathan David put the visitors 2-0 up shortly after the hour mark, putting the U.S. in a deep hole from which they would not recover.
The U.S. substitutes made an impact, as Luca de la Torre scored his first international goal just two minutes after coming off the bench, while Haji Wright and Aidan Morris were influential as well. It wasn’t enough, however, as they were left with too little time and too little possession to create enough chances for an equalizer.
To close out the September international window, the USMNT will travel to Austin, TX for a match against New Zealand on Tuesday, while Canada will match up against Mexico the same evening in Dallas.
The one-goal defeat is flattering and Canada made a statement in this result. This was dominant from Jesse Marsch's Canada, who didn't let up from start to finish.
It was a game of giveaways and individual mistakes for the USMNT, who totally wilted under Canada's continual press. Johnny Cardoso's mistake led to a Jacob Shaffelburg goal 17 minutes in. Similar with Tim Ream, whose giveaway moments into the second half allowed Jonathan David to make it 2-0. There were moments in between, too. This could have gotten out of hand.
"We learned in Copa that mentality is the number one thing. I mean, you can control that," U.S. defender Chris Richards said to MAX in a broadcast interview. "I mean, if you're on the pitch, sometimes the ball might not go away. You never know. You can miss passes. But a non-negotiable is our mentality. I think we lacked a bit of that in the first half today."
Fortunately for the U.S., it didn't. In fact, they pulled one back. Luca de la Torre came off the bench to score a consolation, but that was all it was. Canada had the USMNT beaten. De la Torre's goal wasn't going to change that. U.S. interim head coach Mikey Varas held himself and his players accountable after the loss.
"I think we were too static," Varas said in his postgame press conference. "So, you know, the translation of the ideas weren't clear enough...You know, on the other side, the mentalities on the players, sorry, they know it. They know you know, we speak the truth to each other. I love those guys, but they know that mentality of fight and to run. It's a sacrifice."
He added, "At the end of the day, it's a combination between, yeah, me and then, I mean, all of us together."
The U.S. will now go back to the drawing board. Canada, meanwhile, will celebrate, Marsch maybe most of all. The American-born head coach got one over on his home country but, more importantly, he proved just how much of a difference he's making for this Canada team.
Maybe the USMNT will get their own difference-making coach in soon. Saturday showed that they need Pochettino as soon as possible. Until then the team will look to get back on track when they head to Cincinnati to host New Zealand.
"I don't think we were outplayed today. I think maybe we were out-battled in some aspects," Richards said. "So I think that's something that I think we have to look at and do better. We know that every game is a chance to get better."
If Mauricio Pochettino was watching from afar, USMNT fans will desperately that the incoming head coach isn’t having second thoughts.
READ MORE: USMNT fans criticizes team on social media after loss to Canada
GOAL rates the USMNT's players from Children's Mercy Park...
The USMNT is playing under its second interim head coach since the 2024 FIFA World Cup concluded.
This time around Mikey Varas, who has experience with U.S. Soccer as the Under-20 men's coach, is the interim manager. Varas is not expected to be at the helm for long with Pochettino's appointment likely happening soon.
The goal for Saturday's game against Canada and Tuesday's match versus New Zealand is to win and get back on track after a disastrous Copa America in which the Americans dropped out at the quarterfinal stage.
Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Tim Ream, Chris Richards and Joe Scally are among the first-team regulars in the squad for the September international window.
The whole collection of strikers, Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun, Josh Sargent and Ricardo Pepi, are also on the roster.
The USMNT is still looking for the clear-cut No. 1 at the forward position. Balogun scored twice at the Copa America and could have a slight edge over the rest of the field for now.
All of the squad questions will be answered when Pochettino takes over, but for now, the goal is to put the best 11 players on the field to win a soccer game.
As always, a ton of pressure will be heaped on Pulisic to create chances and put the USMNT on the scoreboard.
Canada boasts the more consistent striker unit, led by Cyle Larin and Jonathan David, who have 57 international goals between them.
Alphonso Davies is always the danger man on the wing, and the Americans must contain him to have a strong defensive game.
Prediction: United States 1, Canada 1
STREAM:USA vs. Canada and other USMNT matches LIVE on Sling
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PTLocation: Children's Mercy Park (Kansas City, KS)Referee: Keylor Herrera (CRC)
Starting lineups:
USA (4-3-3, right to left): 16. Schulte (GK) — 22. Scally, 3. Richards, 13. Ream, 23. Lund — 6. Musah (Wright, 71'), 15. Cardoso (Morris, 62'), 17. M. Tillman (de la Torre, 62') — 11. Aaronson (Cowell, 77'), 20. Balogun (Pepi, 82'), 10. Pulisic.
Canada (4-3-3, right to left): 16. Crepeau (GK) — 2. Johnston (Laryea, 25'), 15. Bombito, 13. Cornelius, 19. Davies — 20. Ahmed, 8. Choiniere (Saliba, 90'), 7. Eustaquio (Osorio, 67') — 10. David (Afrifa, 90'), 9. Larin (Oluwaseyi, 67'), 14. Shaffelburg (Miller, 67').
MORE: USMNT roster for September international friendlies vs. Canada, New Zealand
FULLTIME: USA 1-2 Canada
The U.S. gave it a spirited fight at the end, but it falls short as Canada beat the United States on U.S. soil for the first time since 1957 and second time ever. It's an embarrassing defeat, and the players have nowhere to hide. Bad giveaways and poor possessional buildup were most to blame, but there was a lot to criticize.
For USMNT fans looking for positives, Christian Pulisic did his best to carry the attack, and Malik Tillman had positive moments. The substitutes made a difference, as Luca de la Torre got his first international goal and Haji Wright was positive. Still, there's far too many issues for the United States in a match they should have been more competitive.
90+3 min: With six minutes of added time shown, Canada make another pair of substitutes as youngsters Stephen Afrifa and Nathan Saliba come on for both of their international debuts. Jonathan David and Mathieu Choiniere make way.
86th min: Chance, USA! Ricardo Pepi is stonewalled by Maxime Crepeau with a chance to equalize! On the counter, Haji Wright delivers a wonderful through-ball to the PSV striker, but while being bodied by Alphonso Davies, he can't pull the trigger in time before Crepeau comes out and smothers the shot!
In truth, Wright should have pulled the trigger earlier, as Pepi was wide open, but waiting allowed Davies and the goalkeeper to recover.
81st min: The U.S. appeared to be pushing for a second goal, but Canada have managed to get themselves back on the ball with 10 minutes to go. The crowd boos as the U.S. struggles to maintain possession.
Another change for the United States as Ricardo Pepi enters to replace Folarin Balogun up front.
77th min: One more change for Mikey Varas as Cade Cowell, who was added to the roster after Gio Reyna's injury, enters to replace Brenden Aaronson. For a moment, the USMNT interim head coach looked to have Haji Wright playing a No. 10 role in a 4-2-3-1, but Christian Pulisic moves into that central role with Wright out wide, which is more reasonable.
71st min: Another change for the United States as Haji Wright enters to replace Yunus Musah, which is a very attacking change by Mikey Varas down a goal with 20 minutes to go.
68th min: Canada can now make their changes, with three of them on the way. Liam Millar,, Tani Oluwaseyi, and Jonathan Osorio enter to replace Stephen Eustaquio, Cyle Larin, and Jacob Shaffelburg.
Treatment is also required for Derek Cornelius who has his head taped from the earlier clash with Folarin Balogun, and then moments later Ali Ahmed goes down to tie his shoes, which elicits boos from the Kansas City crowd.
64th min: GOAL! USA! An instant impact for Luca de la Torre who gets the USMNT on the board! The hosts build very well as Christian Pulisic sends a cross along the face of goal just out of reach for Folarin Balogun, but it's recycled on th far side by Kristoffer Lund. The right-back cuts it back for Aidan Morris, who delights with a brilliant turn while facing the net.
Morris is dispossessed at the last moment, but the ball is rolled straight to de la Torre eight yards out. While the U.S. midfielder is offside, the ball is not passed to him, but instead tackled into his path, so that is null and void. He buries his first international goal!
Luca de la Torre gets one back with his first goal for the USMNT 💫Watch USA vs. Canada live on TBS and Max 📺 pic.twitter.com/mziR2lU6Hh
62nd min: A yellow card is shown to Cyle Larin.
Mikey Varas makes his first changes of the match, bringing on Aidan Morris for Johnny Cardoso and Luca de la Torre takes over for Malik Tillman. Cardoso's withdrawal was needed, but Tillman coming off is surprising, considering he was one of the few positive performers for the USMNT so far. Liam Millar and Jonathan Osorio are ready to come on for Canada in response
58th min: GOAL! CANADA! Jonathan David puts Canada 2-0 up an in firm control of this match! Tim Ream with yet another truly awful turnover, as he feeds it right to David. The Canada striker finds his strike partner Cyle Larin, but after he's tackled on the penalty spot, the ball falls back in David's lap and he buries the chance!
Ream had a bad giveaway in the first half, but was bailed out by Patrick Schulte. This time, he's made to pay. Nothing short of a schoolboy error.
Jonathan David makes it 2-0 ✌️🇨🇦Watch USA vs. Canada live on TBS and Max 📺 pic.twitter.com/XywUJuXuMm
54th min: Folarin Balogun is booked for a foul in midfield. It seems quite soft at first, as he clips Derek Cornelius in the face while being challenged from behind by the Canada defender. But in the aftermath, Cornelius needs treatment for a cut above the eye, indicating there was maybe more of a bump than the replay seemed to show.
53rd min: Alphonso Davies is down receiving treatment after going tumbling over the advertising board, but he looks to be ok and will continue.
51st min: Chance, USA! Now THAT'S more like it! Kristoffer Lund charges forward carrying the ball two-thirds up the pitch before feeding an excellent vertical ball for Folarin Balogun! His shot is strong and forces a big save by Maxime Crepeau, and the follow-up from centrally atop the box is skied miles high.
49th min: The U.S. finally has its first shot on target of the match, but Folarin Balogun's whipped effort is poor and straight at Maxime Crepeau who makes a simple smothering save.
2nd half kickoff: They're back under way in Kansas City, with no changes from either side, which is...surprising. Mikey Varas had plenty of reason to make not just one but a few halftime alterations.
HALFTIME: USA 0-1 Canada
Complete and utter domination by Canada as the halftime whistle blows. Jesse Marsch knows exactly how to attack this USMNT side and blow up their buildup, and the hosts have played right into his hands.
Sloppy mistakes by the U.S. led to Canada's goal as well as a host of other chances, which were only turned aside by the exceptional performance of Patrick Schulte in goal. Johnny Cardoso has been the most glaring underperformer, but he's far from the only American struggling in Kansas City. In truth, Canada should be up by a lot more.
A truly woeful first 45 minutes for the U.S. under Mikey Varas. Mauricio Pochettino can't get here quick enough.
🇨🇦 Canada outshot the USMNT 11-1 in the first half.🇺🇸 U.S. hadn't been outshot by 10 in a first half in 52 games, since the 2021 Gold Cup vs Qatar. pic.twitter.com/ozYWwaZo5y
42nd min: Chance, Canada! Very little has happened over the last 10 minutes, as Canada is happy to press the U.S. buildup and make it difficult for them to progress.
They finally get on the counter and again create a quality chance, as Patrick Schulte is required to make yet another sensational save on a shot from six yards out. The chance is created by Alphonso Davies, who crosses through the dummy by Jonathan David and to the feet of Cyle Larin, but his scuffed shot from close range is parried. The Columbus Crew goalkeeper has had an outstanding first half!
Patrick Schulte keeping us within striking distance 🧤 pic.twitter.com/TlMGnHYJ6x
32nd min: Chance, Canada! ANOTHER WONDERFUL SAVE BY SCHULTE! Now a terrible giveaway from Tim Ream, and it plays Canada in on goal. Jonathan David bullies his defender away while driving forward, and his goal-bound effort is only parried away by another spectacular stop by Schulte who produces another reflex stop up to his left! Brilliant save!
The United States have essentially handed Canada three glorious goal-scoring chances, and it would be 3-0 without two brilliant saves by the USMNT goalkeeper. Exceptionally sloppy from the hosts.
The quick reflex from Patrick Schulte! 🚫 pic.twitter.com/T3bDGoqg6T
28th min: Stephen Eustaquio takes a huge kick at Christian Pulisic on the touchline and is whistled for a foul. It leaves Pulisic in a heap on the pitch. You wonder if that is the start of some needle in this match...
24th min: An early blow for Canada as Alistair Johnston cannot continue due to injury. It's not quite clear what happened, but he walks off with the medical staff. It could be precautionary from Canada in a friendly. Richie Laryea comes on to replace him.
22nd min: Chance, USA! Malik Tillman, who's been bright for the United States so far, nearly creates an equalizer for the United States! Brenden Aaronson is bulldozed off the ball in midfield, but the referee plays advantage, and Tillman picks it up to find Folarin Balogun down the left. He tries to find Christian Pulisic, but a deflection takes him away from goal, and leaves him a very tight angle to shoot at, which sees the shot dragged wide.
17th min: GOAL! CANADA! The visitors are in front! The deserve the early lead as their pressing takes it away from Johnny Cardoso and Jacob Shaffelburg buries it past Patrick Schulte!
That's a truly awful giveaway by Cardoso in his own defensive third, whose heavy touch of a pinged ball from Tim Ream hands it to Canada with numbers.
Jacob Shaffelburg gives Canada an early 1-0 lead over the USMNT 💥Watch the match live on TBS and Max 📺 pic.twitter.com/3qUm1zYier
16th min: Chance, Canada! Stephen Eustaquio, who is left all alone 15 yards from goal, takes aim with his right foot but drags a powerful shot just agonizingly wide left across the face of Patrick Schulte's net.
11th min: Canada have looked good through the first 10 minutes. The U.S. has done well for the most part playing out of the back, but when they do give it away, Canada have been extremely incisive in finding spaces in the attacking third.
4th min: Chance, Canada! WHAT A SAVE BY PATRICK SCHULTE! Stephen Eustaquio places a beautiful over-the-top delivery in a bucket for Jonathan David, who rips it first-time on the volley before the ball hits the ground, but his effort from a tight angle to the left is saved exceptionally well by Schulte who reacts beautifully and dives to his left to palm it away. Brilliant save!
PATRICK SCHULTE WHAT A SAVE 👏 pic.twitter.com/e2hqPfgOd5
3rd min: Folarin Balogun looks to break down the left side and very nearly smokes Moise Bombito with a beautiful turn but the nutmeg just barely whiffs, getting stuck at the Canadian defender's feet.
Kickoff: They're under way in Kansas City, where the USMNT has never lost! Mikey Varas is coaching the side on an interim basis, so will Mauricio Pochettino see from afar?
15 minutes to kickoff: In 10 total matches at Children's Mercy Park all-time, the USMNT is an unbeaten 10-2-0, with 20 goals scored and two conceded. Last time here they played to a scoreless draw against Uruguay in June of 2022. They'll have a test today to protect that spotless record in this stadium!
30 minutes to kickoff: U.S. Soccer has designated today's game as the Fan Appreciation Match. They are holding "fun, interactive fan activities, opportunities to win prizes, and food and drink specials in the stadium prior to the match." Hopefully those at the venue enjoy the atmosphere!
45 minutes to kickoff: A look at the Canada starting XI reveals no true surprises for Jesse Marsch, as he essentially names his strongest lineup possible. The two midfield spots behind Stephen Eustaquio are pretty open at the moment, so today Ali Ahmed and Mathieu Choiniere are the ones called upon.
As some of the Canada writers suggest, it could look more like a 4-2-2-2 depending on which side Jacob Shaffelburg is asked to play on, as he can do both depending on the situation.
Jesse Marsch goes back to the 4-2-2-2 with Canada for today’s match v USA.CrepeauJohnston - Bombito - Cornelius - DaviesEustaquio - ChoiniereShaffelburg - AhmedLarin - DavidA big chance for Choiniere and Ahmed, but first choice XI outside of that.Kickoff at 4pm ET.
1 hour to kickoff: The USMNT lineup is in, and there are some surprises. Most notably, Patrick Schulte starts in goal, which is intriguing given Matt Turner desperately needs minutes as he is not the starter at the club level. Brenden Aaronson, meanwhile, starts on the wing over other more in-form frontline options like Haji Wright and Josh Sargent.
1 hour 15 mins to kick: One player for USMNT fans to keep an eye on this international window is Marlon Fossey. The former Fulham youth product has earned his first international call-up at 25 years old, and a good performance could give the team additional depth at a right-back position at which they are desperately thin.
Fossey's profile is one that's still in development. The Standard Liege man is exceptional in the air and has strong numbers progressing the ball forward in possession, but his passing numbers are putrid and he's not a good tackler. He has more work to do, but he could stay in the conversation with a good shift today or against New Zealand.
First 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹-𝘂𝗽 with the @USMNT. 🙌Good luck 🆚 Canada (today) & 🆚 New Zealand (11/09) Marlon ! 😉 pic.twitter.com/ux4v0RglUI
1 hour 30 mins to kick: The USMNT will wear its blue kit today against Canada, which makes sense as Canada's main colors are white and red.
Our Fan Appreciation Match threads 🔵 pic.twitter.com/ty4GvBMmeD
1 hour 45 mins to kick: There's some trepidation amongst USMNT fans that Mauricio Pochettino hasn't been announced as head coach yet, nearly a month after it was initially reported that he had agreed to a deal. It sounds like everything is fine, but it does seem to be concerning some...
Why is it taking so long for US Soccer to announce Mauricio Pochettino? #USMNT #FutbolAmericas pic.twitter.com/iuSGaLYBmg
2 hours to kickoff: Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has been extremely forthcoming and honest when asked about his relationship with the U.S. federation and the inner workings of the USMNT. Marsch, a former finalist for the head coaching position before Gregg Berhalter was ultimately brought back, has not been shy to speak his mind, being both complimentary and derogatory.
In his latest comments, Marsch criticized the USMNT players, saying those who supported Berhalter's return are now the same ones calling for change, essentially labeling them hypocritical — more strong words from the American who has been close with the U.S. federation in the past.
"This sport and this world that we play in has to be about constantly challenging yourself to be your best, period," Marsch said. "I don't care who the coach is, there should be an uncomfortability and a drive to be better."
"A lot of the players that were clamoring to get Gregg [Berhalter] back were also that ones that are now saying that it's time to move on." 😳@jessemarsch weighs in on the process of growth at the national team level and the "obsession to be the best" 📈 pic.twitter.com/iCwW9aijUe
This international friendly match kicks off from Children's Mercy Park on Saturday, September 7 at 3 p.m. local time in Kansas City.
Here's how that time translates across the time zones in North America:
The USMNT is without a few key players due to injuries. Sergino Dest continues to recover from his torn ACL and will be out for some time, and Antonee Robinson is not on the roster to gain some rest. Tyler Adams is still recovering from a back injury and has missed significant time for various fitness issues in recent years, while Tim Weah is also out thanks to a hamstring injury suffered in the Juventus season opener. Gio Reyna was forced to withdraw from the squad due to a groin strain, replaced by Cade Cowell.
Some, meanwhile, were left off due to club form, most notably Weston McKennie who is not starting at Juventus at the moment. Others include defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers and Miles Robinson who are both getting minutes at their various clubs but have struggled at times.
There are questions at the goalkeeper position, and Matt Turner is denied a start despite a desperate need for game minutes which are lacking at the club level, as Patrick Schulte is called upon instead. Up front, it's a surprise that Brenden Aaronson is named in the XI with Haji Wright and Josh Sargent in much better club form.
USA starting lineup (4-3-3): Schulte (GK) — Scally, Richards, Ream, Lund — Musah, Cardoso, M. Tillman — Aaronson, Balogun, Pulisic.
USA subs: Turner (GK), Horvath (GK), Kochen (GK), Trusty, McKenzie, Fossey, Wiley, A. Morris, de la Torre, Wright, Sargent, Pepi.
Head coach Marsch has called in a full-strength roster for these September friendlies as he looks to continue establishing his tactical influence over the Canada squad. Stars Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, and Stephen Eustaquio are all in, as are most of their other Copa America starters.
Full-back Sam Adekugbe was forced to withdraw from the squad due to a mild groin strain, having also missed the Copa America with a calf problem.
There's some young talent sprinkled in, with uncapped midfielders Niko Sigur and Nathan Saliba called up as well as Sporting KC forward Stephen Africa in his first national team camp.
Canada starting lineup (4-3-3): Crepeau (GK) — Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies — Ahmed, Choiniere, Eustaquio— David, Larin, Shaffelburg.
Canada subs: St. Clair (GK), Sirois (GK), Waterman, Laryea, Millar, Miller, Osorio, Oluwaseyi, Russell-Rowe, Saliba, Sigur.
TBS and other Turner channels are available to stream on Sling, while the match can also be streamed on Turner's dedicated platform Max. Subscription service Peacock is also an option for a Spanish-language broadcast.
In Canada, this match is televised on OneSoccer, which is available to stream on Fubo Canada.
Kyle Bonn is a soccer content producer for The Sporting News.
