USMNT Falls to Canada 2-1 in Friendly Despite Strong Second Half Push

The U.S. Men’s National Team opened their September international window with a 2-1 loss to Canada in a friendly at Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City. In what was only the second defeat to Canada on home soil, the match highlighted a challenging first half for the U.S. but an inspiring second-half resurgence led by the youthful energy of their lineup.

Youth at the Helm: A Bold Choice from Interim Coach Mikey Varas

As the U.S. builds toward the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and the 2026 World Cup, interim head coach Mikey Varas took a calculated gamble by fielding a lineup brimming with young talent. Eight of the starting eleven were 23 or younger, with Christian Pulisic—captaining the side at age 25—standing as one of the more experienced players in the squad. Varas’ decision underscores the team's long-term strategy of developing and integrating young players into the senior team, preparing them for major tournaments on the horizon.

One standout among the youngsters was goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, who earned his second cap for the U.S. national team. Schulte, a 23-year-old rising star, has had a remarkable year. He was instrumental in helping the Columbus Crew capture an MLS title and led the U.S. to the quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His sharp reflexes were on full display in the first half, as he produced a string of key saves to keep the U.S. in the game, particularly in the fourth minute, when he brilliantly denied a powerful volley from Canadian striker Jonathan David.

Canada’s Dominant First Half: Taking Advantage of U.S. Mistakes

The early momentum belonged to Canada, who pressed aggressively and exploited U.S. mistakes in the midfield. In the 17th minute, U.S. midfielder Johnny Cardoso lost possession under pressure from Stephen Eustáquio, who quickly fed Jonathan David. Rather than take the shot, David set up Jacob Shaffelburg, who coolly slotted the ball past Schulte to give Canada a 1-0 lead.

The Canadians, ranked 40th in the world, maintained control throughout much of the first half. They outshot the U.S. 11-1, with the Americans unable to find a rhythm or sustain meaningful possession. Christian Pulisic nearly equalized in the 22nd minute with a twisting half-volley, but it wasn’t enough to change the tide. Schulte continued to be tested, making a series of important stops, but the U.S. couldn’t turn the momentum before the break.

A Strong Response: Second-Half Adjustments Spark a Comeback Attempt

The second half brought a tactical shift for the U.S., with Varas making pivotal changes in the midfield. Aidan Morris and Luca de la Torre entered the match, injecting fresh energy into the squad. Almost immediately, the Americans looked more dangerous. In the 49th minute, a corner kick led to a close-range effort from Folarin Balogun, forcing Canada’s goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau into action.

Despite the newfound intensity, the U.S. found themselves down 2-0 in the 58th minute. Jonathan David once again played a decisive role, this time finishing a play that he had started by intercepting a pass from Tim Ream. After muscling past the U.S. defense, David found teammate Cyle Larin, and although Larin’s attempt was blocked, the ball bounced back to David, who smashed it into the net from six yards out.

At this point, it would have been easy for the young U.S. squad to fold, but instead, they rallied. De la Torre’s first international goal in the 66th minute was the result of some slick interplay between Pulisic, Joe Scally, and Aidan Morris. The substitutes combined to break down Canada’s defense, with De la Torre calmly curling the ball past Crépeau. It was a milestone moment for the Celta Vigo midfielder, who has long been knocking on the door for the national team.

Late Push for an Equalizer Falls Short

With newfound belief, the U.S. pressed hard for an equalizer. As the clock ticked down, Varas made additional changes, bringing on Haji Wright, Cade Cowell, and Ricardo Pepi to inject even more attacking firepower. The Americans began to dominate possession, holding nearly 60% of the ball in the second half, while creating a series of chances.

Their best opportunity came in the 86th minute when Haji Wright split the Canadian defense with a perfectly weighted through ball to Pepi. The striker held off Canadian captain Alphonso Davies, but Crépeau raced off his line and made a crucial save, snuffing out the chance to equalize.

Despite outshooting Canada 7-4 after halftime and controlling much of the possession, the U.S. couldn’t find a second goal. Schulte finished the game with five saves, and while his efforts were impressive, it wasn’t enough to overcome Canada’s efficient finishing.

Looking Ahead: Preparation for Future Tournaments

Though the loss will sting, especially on home soil, there are positives to take from the match. The U.S. showed resilience in the second half and gained valuable experience for many of their young players. Luca de la Torre’s emergence, Aidan Morris’ creative spark, and Schulte’s commanding presence in goal all offer hope for the future.

With the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, this friendly serves as part of a longer process for the U.S. in building a squad capable of competing on the world stage. The youth movement is in full swing, and growing pains are to be expected, but the potential of this group is undeniable.

The U.S. Men’s National Team will have another chance to fine-tune their lineup when they face Oceania champions New Zealand on September 10 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. New Zealand, currently preparing for their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, will offer another stern test for the young U.S. squad as they continue their journey of development and preparation.

Match Summary

• Scoring:
  • CAN - Jacob Shaffelburg (Jonathan David), 17th minute
  • CAN - Jonathan David, 58th minute
  • USA - Luca de la Torre (Aidan Morris), 66th minute
• Key Stats:
  • Shots: USA 8 / CAN 17
  • Shots on Goal: USA 5 / CAN 7
  • Saves: USA 5 / CAN 4
  • Possession: USA 60% / CAN 40%
• Next Match: USMNT vs. New Zealand, September 10, 2024, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati (7 p.m. ET; TNT, Universo, TruTV, Max, Peacock, Fútbol de Primera).

This result against Canada may not be the one the U.S. fans were hoping for, but as the team continues to blend youth and experience, each match offers critical lessons that will shape the squad’s future success. The road to the 2026 World Cup is long, and with this promising generation of players, there’s plenty of reason for optimism.

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