Canada 2-0 USMNT: Player ratings as United States falter against Concacaf leaders
The USMNT lost 2-0 to Canada on Sunday at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario, falling three points behind the leaders of the Concacaf table.
Canada wasted no time in asserting their dominance, scoring within the first 10 minutes of the game. A poor goal kick by Matt Turner saw Jonathan David take possession inside the American’s half before providing an assist to Cyle Larin. The Canadian forward fought off Miles Robinson and Chris Richards relatively easily to find the lower left corner of the net and earn the lead.
The United States attempted to fight back, pressuring their rivals by maintaining 64 percent possession and recording 11 overall shots. Brenden Aaronson and Weston McKennie came close to finding the equalizer but could not convert efforts before the final whistle
Ultimately, it was the team’s defensive errors that allowed Canada to triumph. Goalkeeper Matt Turner made several mistakes when clearing the ball, while Miles Robinson and Chris Richards left pockets of space for their opponents to capitalize on.
Then, a last-minute goal by Sam Adekugbe solidified Canada’s dominance. Adekugbe quickly made the run towards Matt Turner, outpacing any USMNT player before finding the back of the net to secure the three points.
The USMNT returns to action on Wednesday against Honduras for the final match of the January/February round of World Cup Qualifiers.
Matt Turner (GK) – 2/10 – Careless mistakes and unacceptable clearances enabled Canada to take advantage of the team.
Sergiño Dest (RB) – 6/10 – Fine on defense, and tried to find his way into Canada’s half to create action.
Miles Robinson (CB) – 3/10 – Complete lack of control and clearance that inspired Cyle Larin to score.
Chris Richards (CB) – 2/10 – Provided no kind of defensive assurance for USMNT, leaving pockets of space open for the attack.
Antonee Robinson (LB) – 6/10 – Wasn’t the worst of the backline.
Tyler Adams (CM) – 4/10 – More is expected of the player holding the captain’s armband, he disappeared during crucial moments.
Weston McKennie (CM) – 6/10 – Started the game slow, but worked to create a few opportunities on the attack in the second half.
Brenden Aaronson (CM) – 7/10 – Managed to find space inside Canada’s half, but ultimately failed to create anything too dangerous.
Christian Pulisic (LW) – 4/10 – Mediocre effort while taking corners and free kicks, so much more is expected of the USMNT wonderkid.
Gyasi Zardes (ST) – 5/10 – Had a couple of opportunities to make a difference but couldn’t solidify anything before being subbed off.
Yunus Musah (RW) – 4/10 – Failed to create any type of threat, and his defensive mistakes in the second half almost inspired a second goal.
Ricardo Pepi – 7/10 – Breathed some life into the game after coming on, challenging Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan
Reggie Cannon – 5/10 – Did his job as a substitute
Paul Arriola – 8/10 – Had more opportunities at goal in 15 minutes than most of the starting line up