Young USMNT Caps Perfect Window With 1-0 Win Over Canada in Minnesota

A youthful United States side closed out a flawless four-match October window with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada on Tuesday night at Allianz Field in Minnesota. Nineteen-year-old forward Justin Ellis struck in the 29th minute, finishing a move he helped spark — a slick give-and-go between Alex Freeman and Malik Tillman down the right released Freeman, whose cross was turned home by the Orlando City product. It was Ellis's second goal in as many national team starts, though he left the match at halftime with a knock. Canada pressed after the break and came closest to an equalizer when Luc de Fougerolles' volley crashed off the crossbar, with goalkeeper Brian Schwake getting a slight touch. But the Americans saw out the clean sheet. The result stretched a U.S. program record to 11 consecutive matches with a first-half goal and snapped a two-game losing streak against their northern rivals. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino rotated heavily through the window, giving minutes to 13 national team debutants as the program opened its 2030 World Cup cycle. Fullback Freeman was a standout, providing the winning assist in his 25th consecutive appearance while leading the team with nine defensive contributions.