Canada enjoyed their first win on United States soil in 67 years with a 2-1 victory in Kansas City.
Jesse Marsch guided the Canucks to the semi-finals of the recent Copa America and they were deserving winners against a USMNT team that looked a little disjointed and in desperate need of Mauricio Pochettino taking over.
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Pochettino has agreed to succeed Gregg Berhalter but his appointment is being delayed by a contractual issue with former club Chelsea.
In the meantime, the team was led by Mikey Varas who named a youthful side with one eye firmly fixed on the 2026 World Cup hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
But they looked a little raw as goals from Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan David put Canada in control before Luca de la Torre pulled one back.
Marsch’s desire for a high press was in evidence early on as the US gave the ball away in midfield and the visitors broke with Cyle Larin ending the move with a volley that drew a good save from home goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.
Stephen Eustaquio then dragged a shot wide for Canada before the visitors’ pressure finally told in the 17th minute. US defender Tim Ream played a sloppy ball that was intercepted by David and he picked out Shaffelburg who provided the neat finish.
Veteran defender Ream was at fault again shortly after the half hour mark with another awful pass but was bailed out this time by Schulte, who saved well from Larin.
The overworked Schulte kept out Larin again on the stroke of half-time after some fine work by Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies.
For the first time since 1957, we defeat the Americans on their home soil 😤 //
Pour la première fois depuis 1957, nous battons les Américains sur leur propre terrain 😤#CANMNT #CANUSA pic.twitter.com/yGzTBTSKrS
— CANMNT (@CANMNT_Official) September 7, 2024
Ream makes another blunder
The US had to improve after the break and the early signs were encouraging with Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau finally called into action to save an effort from Folarin Balogun.
But just as it seemed the US were getting a foothold in the game, Canada scored again with the hapless Ream at the heart of another mix up.
The 36-year-old, who now plays for Charlotte FC after a long career in England, squandered possession on the edge of the area and, although Larin’s shot was blocked, the ball fell kindly for David and he made no mistake.
Substitute De la Torre reduced the arrears midway through the second half by converting Aidan Morris’ cut back and the US could have snatched an undeserved draw late on when Crepe had to make a great save to deny Ricardo Pepi.
