Team USA Wins the CONCACAF Nations League, Beats Canada 2-0

The US men’s soccer team defeated Canada in the finals of the CONCACAF Nations League tonight, 2-0. With this triumph, they retained the crown of this competition, making a very good intro for the upcoming challenges this team is about the face.

Reyna was the man in the middle, assisting on both occasions. Chris Richards and Folrain Balogun were the scorers, the first in the 12th and the second in the 34th minute.

“I’ve only been here a short amount of time, but already I feel a part of it, and I feel a part of something bigger,” Balogun said after the match.

We’ve seen the Yanks very competitive and focused in Las Vegas, using the home-court edge but also outplaying the Canadians in pretty much all aspects of the game. Like against Mexico, they were strong from the kick-off, not allowing Canada to impose its own style of play.

Chris Richards y el primero. 💥🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/htwxEMVZ4q

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Even though Sergino Dest and Weston McKennie couldn’t play due to suspensions, the Americans were successful in the end. Joe Scally and Brenden Aaronson were the two guys who replaced the suspended duo.

The first goal came after a corner, with Richards flying high above others and from some 11 yards striking the back of the rival’s net. Milan Borjan couldn’t do anything in this situation.

The 34th minute saw Balogun executing a chance on Reyna’s perfect pass, setting what would be the final score of the event. Even though Canadians had the initiative later on, attacking and having the ball in their feet, they couldn’t do anything noticeable.

The US team was composed when defending, showing an excellent tactical approach, not rushing into any unpredictable situations, firmly holding the back line, and threatening to hit on a counterattack.

Head coach BJ Callaghan, who is currently replacing Gregg Berhalter, had a perfect game plan, and for the moment, we can say that he passed this test. He had something to say after the game, but not about him personally, yet the team in general.

“We’re looking beyond to the 2026 World Cup, and we need to perform in high-intensity knockout games,” Callaghan said. “That’s something that we learned from the World Cup.”

As you all know, the 2026 World Cup will take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and all three teams have high ambitions, especially the United States.

Welcome to America, Folarin Balogun 🇺🇸#USAvCAN pic.twitter.com/ICtRl33AlJ

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As for the Canadians, they are still without a title. The last trophy this nation won was in 2000 when they beat everyone to take the Gold Cup. The head coach John Herdman knows what the problem is for his unit, and he is determined to solve it. The only restricting factor for the Canadian leader is time.

“You don’t get time to work with the players. There’s no time. But we need this September window.”

Canada had a very notable participation at the World Cup, and even though they didn’t reach the knockout round, everyone sympathized with their appearance and style of play. It seems that Herdman has a group of players who can be relevant for the years to come.

In the third-place game, the Mexican team was better than Panama. The only goal of the event was already in the fourth minute, with Jesus Gallardo netting the winner.

The contest wasn’t particularly interesting, and the fact that we hadn’t seen a goal in the remaining 86 minutes, plus the stoppage time, tells pretty much everything.