Justin Ellis scored the only goal as the United States defeated Canada 1-0 at Allianz Field on Tuesday, completing a perfect four-match international window under Mauricio Pochettino.
The 19-year-old forward struck in the 29th minute, turning Alex Freeman’s effort into the net after a slick combination involving Freeman and Malik Tillman opened up the Canadian defense.
It was Ellis’ second goal in just three appearances for the United States, continuing an impressive start to his international career after he also scored on his debut against Peru.
Ellis makes the breakthrough
The United States entered the contest with confidence after three consecutive victories and again showed the greater cutting edge when the decisive opportunity arrived.
Freeman combined with Tillman down the right before driving into the penalty area. Ellis timed his movement across the Canadian defense and redirected Freeman’s attempt past the goalkeeper to put the hosts ahead after 29 minutes.
The goal came only minutes after Ellis appeared to be struggling with an ankle problem, but the young forward stayed on the field long enough to make the decisive contribution.
Canada attempted to respond, with Jonathan David leading the attack, but the visitors were unable to find the goal required to change the course of the match.
The United States protected its narrow advantage through the second half and recorded a second consecutive clean sheet.
Pochettino’s changes pay off
Pochettino made six changes from the side that had beaten Mexico 3-0 three days earlier, giving another group of players an opportunity to impress.
Brian Schwake started in goal, while Chris Richards captained a defense that also included Alex Freeman, Auston Trusty and George Campbell. Gio Reyna, Yunus Musah, Brooklyn Raines, Tillman and Mathis Albert were among the starters in a youthful U.S. lineup.
Despite the rotation, the Americans maintained their winning momentum.
The result gave the United States four victories from four matches during the international window, following wins over Peru, Chile and Mexico. The team scored 11 goals across the first three of those victories before Ellis supplied the solitary strike against Canada.
USA finish international window unbeaten
Tuesday’s result also provided another encouraging sign for a U.S. squad beginning a new cycle after the 2026 World Cup.
Young players have been prominent during the run, with Ellis, Julian Hall and Cavan Sullivan among those making an impact.
For Canada, the defeat ended an international stretch that had included victories over Chile and Peru before the trip to Minnesota. Canada Soccer confirmed the 1-0 defeat at Allianz Field.
The United States, meanwhile, closed the window with four wins, back-to-back clean sheets and another promising performance from one of its emerging forwards.
