The US Men’s National Team closed out the September-October window undefeated, but were pushed to the brink by CONCACAF rivals Canada.
Justin Ellis scored a goal in the first half of Minnesota St. A goal was all Mauricio Pochettino’s side needed to secure a 1-0 win at Allianz Field in Paul. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake had three saves in his first start, while Cole Campbell became the 13th USMNT player to make his senior debut this window.
The result marked the Americans’ fourth straight win this fall after qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A back-and-forth first half finally saw the USMNT’s first strike as Ellis scored his second through the window. Alex Freeman found some space on the right wing and raced upfield before drilling a right-footed shot that Ellis deflected into the back of the net.
It was a comeback moment for Ellis, who was injured early in the half after colliding with Canada midfielder Steven Eustachio.
Canada turned up the pressure in the second half and came close to tying things up after the hour mark. Luc De Fugerolles headed Mathieu Choiniere’s free-kick towards the net but watched as Brian Schwake deflected his shot off the crossbar and out of danger.
Julian Hall looked for his fourth goal in a row on international duty and almost iced the match in the process, but watched his venomous half-volley hit the side netting.
Substitute Promise David glanced a header past Schwake to wrap up Canada’s night.
The USMNT would go on to win their second straight, completing their first four-match winning streak since November 2024 to January 2025.
Adri Mehmeti, Neil Pierre and Tyler Adams also got minutes, with the aforementioned Campbell one of eight substitutions made on the night by Pochettino. Antonee Robinson, Sebastian Berhalter and Sergino Dest completed the 21-man squad for the night.
The USMNT will return to action this November in a two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal series against Haiti.