USMNT Faces Setback After Concacaf Nations League Defeat to Canada
The United States men’s national team is at a critical juncture, just 15 months ahead of co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico, following a recent loss. Despite initial optimism after securing four successive victories under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the team’s performance in the Concacaf Nations League has raised concerns.
Canada Secures Third Place, US Finishes Fourth
Canada defeated the United States 2-1 to claim third place in the Concacaf Nations League at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. This USMNT setback, occurring shortly after a 1-0 defeat to Panama in the semi-finals on Thursday, resulted in the host nation finishing fourth in a competition they had previously dominated, winning the prior three editions.
Questions Arise After Disappointing Performance
This outcome prompts questions regarding the immediate direction of the USMNT program. Canada’s victory was earned through a more 공격적인 strategy, resulting in greater and more frequent scoring opportunities throughout the match.
David’s Decisive Goal Seals Canadian Victory
Jonathan David scored the match-winning goal in the 59th minute, breaking a 1-1 deadlock. Receiving a pass from Ali Ahmed inside the penalty area, David controlled the ball with a touch to his left before unleashing a curling shot. The ball found the net inside the left post, beyond the reach of US goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Tactical Changes After Panama Loss
Following the semi-final loss to Panama, Coach Pochettino made significant changes to the starting lineup, replacing five players and implementing a different tactical formation.
- Defensive Shift: Pochettino opted for a flat back four – Cameron Carter-Vickers, Mark McKenzie, Max Arfsten, and Joe Scally – replacing the three-man backline with wingbacks used against Panama. Scally was the only defender retained from the previous match’s starting lineup.
- Midfield Adjustment: Diego Luna was introduced into the midfield, playing ahead of holding midfielders Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie.
- Forward Line: Patrick Agyemang led the attack as the lone striker, supported by attacking midfielders Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah.
These adjustments resulted in a more measured approach from the United States, focusing on building play from the back.
Davies Injury and Oluwaseyi’s Opening Goal
Canada faced an early setback with Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies leaving the match in the 12th minute due to a collision. Despite this, Canada took the lead in the 27th minute when Tani Oluwaseyi scored.
- Oluwaseyi’s Goal: Ahmed initiated the play with a cross from the left side of the penalty area towards David. David’s shot deflected off McKenzie and fell to Oluwaseyi, who scored from close range.
Agyemang Equalizes, David Secures Win
Agyemang leveled the score for the USMNT in the 35th minute.
- Agyemang’s Equalizer: McKennie initiated the attack with a long pass to Weah on the left flank. Weah evaded three defenders before passing to Luna in the penalty area. Luna then provided a short pass to Agyemang, whose shot deflected off goalkeeper Dayne St Clair and into the net.
Reyna’s Limited Impact
Gio Reyna, considered a key offensive player for the United States, entered the game in the 69th minute but did not significantly influence the match’s outcome.