Justin Ellis sinks Canada as USMNT completes four-win international window

Justin Ellis scored the only goal as the United States defeated Canada 1-0 at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Tuesday, October 6, completing four victories from four international friendlies. Field Level Media reported that the result ended a run of two U.S. defeats against Canada, following wins over Peru, Chile and Mexico earlier in the window.

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The breakthrough came in the 29th minute. Malik Tillman and Alex Freeman combined before Freeman delivered the ball across goal for Ellis to finish from close range. The 19-year-old Orlando City forward now has two goals in three international appearances. His strike proved enough despite the teams combining for 43 fouls, with 22 committed by the Americans and 21 by Canada, according to Field Level Media.

Brian Schwake made three saves to protect the advantage on his first international start, U.S. Soccer's match report confirmed. One of the key interventions came after Luc de Fougerolles met a delivery at the far post: Schwake got a hand to the effort and diverted it onto the crossbar. The goalkeeper later collected another attempt in the closing stages as Canada pursued an equalizer.

Pochettino had made six changes from the team that started against Mexico. U.S. Soccer's lineup notes listed Freeman, Gio Reyna, Chris Richards, Tillman and Auston Trusty as the five retained starters. Richards captained the side for the fourth time, while Schwake's selection followed his substitute appearance in the 4-2 victory over Chile. The starting team averaged 21 international caps and was 23 years and 156 days old.

There were further milestones in that lineup. Yunus Musah reached 50 international appearances, while 17-year-old Mathis Albert made his first start after coming off the bench in the previous three matches. Albert was the youngest starter, adding another first to a camp in which Pochettino repeatedly changed personnel.

Cole Campbell's introduction in the 61st minute completed the window's group of 13 U.S. debutants. According to U.S. Soccer, all 28 players on the roster appeared during the four matches. The Americans finished the camp with 12 goals and two clean sheets, with the shutout against Canada following the 3-0 win over Mexico.