The United States men’s national team suffered a 1-2 loss to Canada in an international friendly played at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, on Saturday.
Despite it being a friendly game, the loss was a tough one for USMNT, considering it was only the second time they were defeated by Canada at home. The last time this happened was in 1957.
Canada, led by American manager Jesse March, blitzed the USMNT in the first half with well-executed pressing and timely counterattacks. This approach gave results almost immediately, with winger Jacob Shaffelburg opening the scoring in the 17th minute and the Canadian team having a number of other goal-scoring chances.
The second half was more of the same as Jonathan David doubled the lead for Canada in the 58th minute. The USMT managed to strike back eight minutes later via Luca de la Torre’s first international goal but couldn’t complete a full comeback.
The loss against Canada is a continuation of struggles for USMNT, which has now lost its last three games and has only won one in the past six games.
The U.S. soccer fans are hoping things will get better once ex-Chelsea and PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino takes over the team. Pochettino agreed to become the new head coach of USMNT back in mid-August, but his arrival was prolonged due to hold up in the termination of his contract with Chelsea. However, he is expected to officially take over from interim head coach Mikey Varas before the next international window.
