Canada's shortcomings laid bare in loss to USMNT

ST. PAUL, Minn. — In a grueling 16-day camp featuring four friendlies, the U.S. national team secured a 1-0 victory over Canada, completing a perfect record in a FIFA window. Teenage striker Justin Ellis scored the lone goal in the 29th minute, marking his second start following a recent injury. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake made history by starting his first career match and recording a shutout.

This victory marked the U.S.'s first four-game winning streak in FIFA windows in over five years and the first such run in a window with South American or European opponents since 2016. The U.S. will face Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals, with the first leg set for November 14 in Canada. Coach Mauricio Pochettino continued to shuffle his lineup, with midfielder Gio Reyna starting in a deeper role and Matt Freese absent due to prior commitments.