In a historic upset, Canada defeated the United States 2-1 in a friendly match on Saturday, marking their first victory over the Americans on US soil since 1957. The triumph ended a 66-year winless streak against their North American rivals, showcasing a significant shift in power dynamics within the region.
The match was a testament to Canada’s growing strength and the United States’ ongoing struggles. Jacob Shaffelburg opened the scoring for Canada in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a defensive misplay by Tim Ream. Jonathan David extended Canada’s lead in the 58th minute, adding his 29th international goal, tying him with Cyle Larin for the Canadian national team’s all-time leading scorer.
Despite going down by two goals, the US fought back. Luca de la Torre pulled one back for the Americans in the 66th minute, scoring his first international goal. However, Canada held firm, denying the US an equalizer despite late pressure.
The match marked the first game for the US under interim coach Mikey Varas, who took over following the departure of Gregg Berhalter. The US Soccer Federation is currently in talks with Mauricio Pochettino to become the team’s next coach, but there has been no official announcement.
Canada, under the guidance of American coach Jesse Marsch, continues to make strides, finishing fourth in the Copa America earlier this year. This victory over the US signifies a growing confidence within the Canadian squad.
The match also highlighted the challenges faced by the US men’s national team. The team’s struggles at the Copa America, combined with their recent three-game losing streak, underscore the need for a cohesive strategy and a strong leadership presence to restore confidence and competitiveness.
This victory for Canada will undoubtedly boost their morale and provide a platform for further success. The match serves as a stark reminder that the landscape of North American soccer is evolving, with Canada emerging as a force to be reckoned with.
