The U.S. men’s national team faced a harsh reality check as interim coach Mikey Varas addressed the team’s mentality following their 2-1 defeat to Canada. “That’s on them,” he remarked, indicating that the players must take responsibility for their performance during the match at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.
This loss continued a troubling summer for the Americans, who had previously made history as the first Copa América host nation to exit before the knockout stage. The squad was missing key players such as Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest, Weston McKennie, Antonee “Jedi” Robinson, and Tim Weah due to various circumstances. Despite the chance to prove themselves, the substitutes failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
Under the guidance of former USMNT player Jesse Marsch, Canada came out strong and maintained momentum throughout the match. The Canadians, who surprised many by reaching the Copa América semifinals, were quick to respond to every play, leading to Jacob Shaffelburg’s opening goal in the 17th minute.
Marsch expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, stating, “Yeah, of course, I enjoyed it. We were on the front foot the whole match.” His strategic approach proved effective against a U.S. side that struggled to find its footing.
Jonathan David extended Canada’s lead just before the hour mark, but U.S. substitute Luca de la Torre managed to pull one back shortly after. Nonetheless, the Americans could not find the equalizer, leaving them to reflect on their shortcomings.
Varas pointed out the static nature of his team, saying, “My translation of the ideas weren’t clear enough, because you shouldn’t be static, and you shouldn’t pass the ball just to pass the ball.” His comments highlighted a need for more dynamic play and clearer communication on the field.
He further emphasized the importance of player mentality, stating, “The mentality is on the players. Sorry, they know it. They know it. We speak the truth to each other… that’s on them.”
Here are a few quick thoughts on Saturday’s match.
Play of the game
The pivotal moment came when Canada scored first. The U.S. had initially held up well against Canadian pressure, but a misstep by Johnny Cardoso allowed Stephen Eustáquio to intercept the ball. Eustáquio quickly set up David, who assisted Shaffelburg for a composed finish past U.S. goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, who was preferred over veteran Matt Turner.
Turning point
The Americans’ misfortunes were compounded when Tim Ream made a critical error, gifting the ball to David just outside the penalty area. David capitalized on the mistake, scoring after a clever interplay with Cyle Larin, marking a significant turning point in the match.
Key stat
This match marked only the second victory for Canada on American soil in 26 encounters since their rivalry began in Brooklyn in 1925.
What’s next for Canada?
Canada’s next challenge is a highly anticipated match against Mexico, another North American rival. Although Tuesday’s game is an exhibition, the recent history between the two teams promises a competitive atmosphere, especially in front of a large crowd at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
What’s next for the United States?
The U.S. team will travel to Cincinnati for a friendly against New Zealand. A significant development is the anticipated introduction of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who is set to take the reins of the U.S. squad before this match. Although he won’t be present on the sidelines against New Zealand, his reputation and experience will undoubtedly influence the team’s direction moving forward.
The U.S. men’s national team is at a crossroads, needing to regroup and refocus as they prepare for future competitions, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
