With a stellar performance from Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun’s first goal with the stars and stripes, the US beat rivals Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League Final by a score of 2-0.
“Giants of CONCACAF”: a title that was typically given to Mexico now suits the U.S. a lot more.
“I probably say so [that we are the new CONCACAF giants],” said Chris Richards, who scored the first goal, after the game. “Even though qualifying was a bit tough for us, we’ve shown quality throughout the last week.”
With yet another trophy in their cabinet (their third in three years), the USMNT cements their status (for now) as the best team in CONCACAF. This time, it wasn’t even close as they dominated Canada throughout the match.
“It feels great,” said Richards. “Overall happy with how the last week went.”
Despite Canada having 63% of possession of the ball, it was the Americans who felt more comfortable moving with the ball. The U.S. also made more use of their time with the ball, registering 15 total shots compared to Canada’s 12 and seven on target compared to four.
Starting XI
USA 4-3-3: Matt Turner; Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, Walker Zimmerman, Joe Scally; Yunus Musah, Brenden Aaronson, Gio Reyna; Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun
Canada 3-5-2: Milan Borjan; Alistair Johnson, Scott Kennedy, Kamal Miller; Richie Laryea, Ismael Kone, Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan Osorio, Alphonso Davies; Cyle Larin, Jonathan David
First Half
Despite an arsenal of world-class players like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, it was clear from the very beginning: the USA meant business and was not leaving Allegiant Stadium without their trophy.
Within ten minutes, the U.S. was already stirring up trouble for goalkeeper Milan Borjan. Gio Reyna and Walker Zimmerman (of all people) had early shots on goal that established the rate of the game for the duration of the match.
The first goal was a product of Reyna from a corner kick. It was delivered to perfection to the head of Chris Richards in the 12th minute. It was a 1-0 score that was fair to the performance of the teams.
“You can see Gio’s quality whenever he’s on the ball,” said Richards. “He brought it and stepped up to the challenge.” Then, 22 minutes later, Reyna once again showed why he is one of the most promising rising stars in the world.
With a well-timed pass, he set up Folarin Balogun in front of goal to score his first-ever goal with the USMNT. In only his second appearance with the team, Balogun made an instant impact and his teammates seem to think that he fits right in.
“We’re really excited for him,” said Zimmerman. “Obviously, he’s a big piece of this team…” However, Richards, Reyna, and Balogun were not the only ones to show out in the first half. Blink and you’ll miss it– Christian Pulisic didn’t have the goal involvements of last Thursday, but his dribbling abilities outshone those of Alphonso Davies and everyone else in the Canada squad.
Then, there is the defensive performance from Joe Scally at right-back, who replaced Sergino Dest in the starting line-up. Along with the guidance of veteran Walker Zimmerman, the USMNT defense played a key role in locking down Canada’s offense– both in the first and second half.
Second Half
Much to the disappointment of American fans, Gio Reyna had to be replaced by Luca de la Torre at halftime due to a calf injury, which was confirmed by the team on Twitter.
The real test for the U.S. was keeping the score as it was for the entirety of the second half. Regardless of power over the match, defending against one of the best wingbacks in the world, Alphonso Davies, is a challenge of the highest level.
“He’s [Davies] obviously a top-level player,” said Zimmerman. “Very, very fast… but I thought we doubled down well.”
With the USMNT defense keeping its shape and Matt Turner keeping the goal intact, the U.S. crowned itself once again as Nations League champions. With the Gold Cup in the near, the team only has one thing in mind: sweep the CONCACAF this summer.
Picture by Dario Cruz
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