A pair of sloppy defensive miscues paired with a lack of offensive urgency led to the U.S. men’s national team’s third-straight loss this summer and fifth overall defeat of 2024.
Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan David both scored for Jesse Marsch’s Canada squad in a 2-1 road win over the Americans at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Luca De La Torre’s first international goal cut the USMNT’s deficit after the hour mark but Canada would hang on for its first road win over the United States since 1957.
Patrick Schulte was tested early by Canada’s David from a left-footed volley attempt but the Columbus Crew man denied the Lille striker. Stephen Eustáquio’s over the top ball allowed David to sneak away from Tim Ream and Chris Richards, but Schulte was up to the task.
Canada struck first in the 17th minute through an errant giveaway from the USMNT. Johnny Cardoso’s heavy touch from a Tim Ream pass allowed David to tee up Shaffelburg for a 1-0 Canada lead.
It marked Shaffelburg’s fourth international goal for Canada.
Christian Pulisic came close to tying the match in the 23rd minute for the USMNT but skied his chipped effort wide of the Canada net. Malik Tillman’s over the top pass was helped along by Folarin Balogun, but Pulisic was unable to hit the target.
The USMNT’s intensity improved after halftime with Balogun testing Maxime Crepeau inside of the box. Pulisic played an upfield pass for Balogun, allowing him to get a shot on target.
Crepeau comfortably punched away the Monaco striker’s effort.
Canada doubled its lead in the 57th minute with Ream’s costly giveaway allowing David to extend the visitors lead. Ream’s errant pass was pounced on by David, who slotted home after a fortunate bounce in the box.
A pair of USMNT substitutes combined to cut the deficit in the 66th minute as Aidan Morris and De La Torre quickly made an impact.
Morris received a pass at the top of the box before spinning into the Canada box. Fortunately for De La Torre, Morris’ pass wasn’t cleared by the Canadian backline, allowing the Celta Vigo man to slot home his first senior goal.
Ricardo Pepi was denied a potential equalizer later in the half as Canada would eventually grind out the clock.
Yunus Musah, Joe Scally, Kristoffer Lund, and Brenden Aaronson were also among the USMNT starters in the match while Cade Cowell and Haji Wright featured off the bench.
The USMNT will close out their two-match window on Tuesday against New Zealand in Cincinnati. Canada will meet Mexico in Arlington, Texas on the same night.
