USMNT Concludes Impressive Window With Win Over Canada

The United States concluded the international window with its fourth win in a row as it defeated Canada 1-0.

Brian Schwake started in net behind a backline that featured Chris Richards, Auston Trusty and George Campbell. Brooklyn Raines, Malik Tillman and Yunus Musah made up the midfield, with Mathis Albert and Gio Reyna playing out wide.

The United States struggled to form any form of attack early on. Canada's physical play and inclination to press made it difficult for the U.S. to advance past the halfway line.

Schwake was a busy goalkeeper, routinely being called into action whether it was to claim crosses or make saves. He looked confident in goal and was much better in the air compared to Chris Brady.

But on the United States' first real chance of the night, the home side found the back of the net. Alex Freeman and Malik Tillman had some great combination play, and Freeman streaked down the sideline. The former Orlando City man blasted a shot, and Justin Ellis managed to deflect it into the net in the 29th minute to give the USMNT the lead.

After double-digit foul calls on Canada, Tani Oluwaseyi was the first player to be booked, receiving a yellow card in the 31st minute. After the goal, Canada was on the back foot and really struggled to create.

Ellis, Schwake, and Freeman were the stars of the half. The goalkeeper was reliable; Ellis scored his second goal of the window and showed a lot of grit by staying in the match after dealing with some crunching tackles, while Freeman was a great creator.

At halftime, three changes were made for the United States while Canada made a single substitution. Julian Hall, Sergino Dest, and Sebastian Berhalter replaced Ellis, Musah, and Reyna. Canada brought on Mathieu Choinière for Stephen Eustaquio.

After a rough end to the first half, the second half got off to a good start for Canada. The Maple Leafs were able to rack up possession and gain goal-scoring chances but failed to find the back of the net.

The U.S. was largely pinned back in its own third. Fortunately for the USMNT, the defensive effort was there to keep the scoreline favoring the home side.

The USMNT made more changes in the 61st minute as Cole Campbell and Tyler Adams replaced Albert and Raines.

Canada nearly drew level shortly after the subs as Luc De Fougerolles got on the end of a free kick and rocketed a shot towards goal, but it pinged off the crossbar and was dealt with by the USMNT defenders.

Canada made more changes in the 65th minute as Jacen Russell-Rowe and Daniel Jebbison replaced Oluwaseyi and Liam Millar. The United States responded as Antonee Robinson, Neil Pierre and Adri Mehmeti replaced George Campbell, Trusty, and Tillman in the 74th minute.

The Maple Leafs would get a few more chances, but Schwake continued to make saves while Canada also continued to fail to take advantage of any chances in the final third.

Revolution fans will be happy to see Brooklyn Raines really shine with the amount of playing time he received. His stock at the national team level seems to be on the rise, and it will be interesting to see if he gets called into upcoming camps.

It was also great to see Miller play, but he didn't garner a lot of minutes. While he has eyes for 2030, hopefully he can manage to earn more minutes in future national team involvement.

At large, the U.S. winning four games and getting quality performances from the likes of Hall, Ellis, and Cavan Sullivan will have fans excited about the future.