Justin Ellis seals US win over Canada to complete four-match sweep

The United States beat Canada 1-0 at Allianz Field on Tuesday, October 6, with Justin Ellis scoring the only goal to complete four victories from four matches in the September-October international window. MLSsoccer.com reported that the result also ended a run of two consecutive American defeats against Canada.

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Ellis struck in the 29th minute after Alex Freeman combined with Malik Tillman on the right and supplied the decisive pass. The 19-year-old scored for the second time in two national-team starts. According to MLSsoccer.com's match report, Ellis was limping before the goal and went off at halftime with a knock; the report did not establish its severity.

Canada's search for an equalizer produced a close call when Luc de Fougerolles volleyed a Mathieu Choiniere cross toward goal. Brian Schwake got a touch as the ball hit the crossbar, helping preserve the American lead. The victory concluded a window in which 13 players made their United States debuts.

Schwake's involvement marked another step in his introduction to international soccer. U.S. Soccer's official lineup notes confirmed that this was his first start and second appearance, following a substitute outing in the 4-2 win over Chile on September 29. Mauricio Pochettino made six changes from the team that started against Mexico, retaining Freeman, Gio Reyna, Chris Richards, Tillman and Auston Trusty.

The changes also brought a first start for Mathis Albert. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder, aged 17 years and 138 days, was the youngest player in the starting lineup after coming off the bench in the previous three matches of the window. U.S. Soccer put the starting team's average age at 23 years and 156 days, with an average of 21 international appearances.

Alongside those newer faces, Yunus Musah reached his 50th appearance for the national team. Richards captained the side for the fourth time, his first since the March 31 match against Portugal. He partnered Trusty in defense for the third time, renewing a combination that had also featured in the shutout victory over Mexico.