USMNT grinds out 1-0 win over Canada to complete perfect 4-game window

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The last day of an exhausting and enlightening U.S. camp — four friendlies over 16 days with a blend of veterans and prospects — was a cantankerous affair that looked nothing like the previous bright performances. It was rough and sometimes violent. It lacked the rhythm and flashes of beauty that defined victories over Peru, Chile and Mexico. Through 90 brutal minutes, however, the U.S. found another way to win, defeating Canada, 1-0, to complete a perfect return from the World Cup. Teenager Justin Ellis fought through an injury to score in the 29th minute and goalkeeper Brian Schwake recorded a shutout in his first career start as the U.S. rebounded from a pair of losses to Canada in recent years. Ellis, a 19-year-old striker for Orlando City, had the first and last of the 12 U.S. goals in the extended FIFA window. He had scored four minutes into his debut Sept. 26 against Peru. The @OrlandoCitySC connection in full flow. FREEMAN TO ELLIS TO PUT US IN FRONT! #USMNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/rlULMkHemx — U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) October 7, 2026 The victory marked the U.S.’s first four-game winning streak in FIFA windows in more than five years and the first such run in an official window that included South American or European opponents since 2016. The U.S. will reassemble for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti, which will host the first leg Nov. 14 at a site to be announced. (The Haitians can’t play at home because of security issues.) The second leg will take place Nov. 17 in Cincinnati. With the heavy schedule, Coach Mauricio Pochettino continued shuttling players in and out of the starting lineup, except for one non-stop starter: midfielder Gio Reyna, who lined up in a deeper role than previous matches. Given the amount of time he had logged, his inclusion came as a surprise. Reyna will now pivot back to his French club, Strasbourg, which will visit Nice on Sunday. Two players made their first U.S. career starts: Schwake and 17-year-old winger Mathis Albert. A few days ago, Pochettino hinted Schwake would get the call and become the fourth different keeper to start in this window. Schwake, 25, is in his first full season as an MLS starter, for front-running Nashville SC. Matt Freese, the World Cup starter who got the call against Peru on Sept. 26, wasn’t even in uniform Tuesday. Albert was a sub in each of the first three games, drawing a penalty kick against Peru and, with a late goal against Chile, becoming the youngest scorer in U.S. history. (The record stood all of four days before Cavan Sullivan scored against Mexico.) Chris Richards made his second consecutive start and wore the captain’s armband, in place of Tyler Adams, who was on the bench. Richards partnered in central defense with George Campbell making his second start. Auston Trusty and Alex Freeman were in wide positions, with Freeman given the freedom to jet upfield. Malik Tillman, who logged 192 minutes in the first three matches, started in midfield again, joined by 21-year-old Brooklyn Raines and Yunus Musah, who, at just 23, made his 50th career appearance. Ellis made his second start at striker, replacing 18-year-old Julian Hall, who scored in each of his first three appearances. Two of Freeman’s Villarreal teammates started for Canada: forward Tani Oluwaseyi and midfielder Nathan Saliba. Atlético Madrid forward Jonathan David rounded out La Liga’s contingent for Canada, which arrived after shutout victories over Peru and Chile. Under their pugnacious American coach, Jesse Marsch, the Canadians often battered the Americans when they touched the ball. The tactic frustrated the U.S., neutralized its attack and brought protests from the U.S. bench. Out of sorts, the Americans were sloppy and sluggish. Their giveaways allowed Canada to create threats, though none that seriously tested Schwake. Ellis required treatment in the 21st minute after a challenge by Canadian captain Stephen Eustaquio. Despite a conspicuous limp – and multiple potential replacements warming up on the side – he returned to the match. He was well enough to score in the 29th minute. From the right side, Freeman connected with Tillman centrally. Freeman’s marker, Richie Laryea, had committed to the pass, allowing Freeman to bolt into open space and receive Tillman’s return pass. He bore down on goal before crossing into the six-yard box, where Ellis redirected it into the net. Canadian eyes looked to the assistant referee for an offside flag. It never came. TV replays showed Ellis was barely onside or slightly beyond defender Luc de Fougerolles. Video replay is not used in friendlies; if it had been here, the goal might’ve been disallowed. The bitterness continued. Reyna received a yellow card for taking down Eustaquio, who appeared to injure his shoulder. Later, after a whistle, Laryea kicked the ball at the U.S. coaches – then extended his hand to Pochettino, who playfully hugged him. Ellis, Reyna and Musah left at halftime, replaced by Hall, Sebastian Berhalter and Sergiño Dest, respectively. Eustaquio didn’t return, either. Canada set the terms but the U.S. absorbed pressure and cleared balls from danger. Trusty absorbed a crunching blow to the head from David and required treatment. To firm up his midfield, Pochettino inserted Adams. At the same juncture, 20-year-old winger Cole Campbell became the 13th player to debut in this camp. Canada’s pressure nearly paid off in the 64th minute, but Schwake reactly well and got a slight touch on de Fougerolles’ running volley, pushing it off the crossbar. Hall was sent in alone in the 71st minute but lacked the poise of his previous appearances and missed the near side. The Americans continued to defend well, shielding Schwake and clearing the ball from the box. U.S. notes : Freese and Frankie Westfield, a 20-year-old right back who debuted against Chile three days later, were not in uniform as Pochettino remained consistent in dressing 26 players.