The USMNT is officially on a roll. Mauricio Pochettino’s squad just wrapped up a perfect four-for-four international window, closing things out with a 1-0 victory over Canada in a match that was, to put it lightly, a total vibe check.
A chippy affair
Real talk: this game was not pretty. It was a stop-start, physical battle that had referee Steven Madrigal working overtime. There were 43 fouls committed in total, and the intensity stayed at an all-time high from the opening whistle. The crowd in Minnesota definitely felt the heat, showering Canada goalkeeper Dayne St Clair with boos every time he touched the ball during his return to his old home turf.
Justin Ellis comes through
Despite the chaos, Justin Ellis was the main character. After shaking off a scary collision in the 20th minute, he teamed up with Alex Freeman—both are Orlando academy products—to break the deadlock. Freeman whipped in a cross that bypassed the defense, and Ellis slammed it home for his second goal in just three appearances for the US. The kid is highkey on fire; he’s already doubled his club goal tally from 19 MLS appearances in just these few international matches.
Holding the line
Brian Schwake held it down in goal, keeping a clean sheet in his first-ever international start. While the offense struggled to find rhythm against Canada’s defensive block, the US defense stayed locked in. Cole Campbell even made his debut in the 61st minute, adding some fresh energy to the field. By the final whistle, the fans stayed in the crisp Minnesota air to celebrate, singing "Country Roads" as the US officially closed out a successful, albeit gritty, window.
Why it matters
Finishing with four wins out of four is a massive W for Pochettino’s side. The ability to grind out a win in an ugly, high-foul environment shows the team has the mental toughness needed for the long haul. Plus, seeing young talents like Ellis consistently finding the net is the kind of momentum the team needs moving forward.
