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TORONTO, Ont.,—Canada pulled off a major upset on Tuesday night, dominating the United States for a well-earned 2-0 victory, their first over the United States in over 30 years.
Canada were forced to make an early substitution, as Mark-Anthony Kaye suffered a hamstring injury within the first 10 minutes. He was replaced by TFC midfielder Liam Fraser, who earned his first senior cap for Canada in the process.
The home side’s best chance of the first half came in the 16th minute, as Jonathan David fired wide of the American goal after creating a wonderful opportunity for himself.
David has the Yanks scrambling! Sends it just wide. These #CANMNT youngsters are looking threatening!
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) October 15, 2019
#CANMNT 0 - 0 #USMNT #CNLxOneSoccer | #CANvsUSA | #CNL pic.twitter.com/2cMvzhPu8d
Christian Pulisic had the best chance for the Americans in the 51st minute, as he went one-on-one with Milan Borjan after a pass from Jordan Morris, but he fired his shot right at the Canadian goalkeeper.
You're NOT putting that by Borjan, bud ⛔️
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) October 16, 2019
#CANMNT 0 - 0 #USMNT #CNLxOneSoccer | #CANvsUSA | #CNL pic.twitter.com/AuipFZBbjC
Canada looked like the best team up to that point, and in the 63rd minute they got their breakthrough thanks to a goal from Alphonso Davies. After an excellent ball from Scott Arfield reached Davies, he redirected it at the far post, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
Arfield ➡️ Davies
— Waking the Red (@WakingtheRed) October 16, 2019
CANADA LEADS 1-0 #CANMNT | #CANvsUSA | #CNLpic.twitter.com/SqayYhYk2T
Canada kept putting in a shift defensively, and were rewarded in the 90th minute with a second goal. Jonathan Osorio lobbed a sensational pass over the top to Lucas Cavallini, who waited for the ball to fall favourably before smashing it past Zack Steffen. The fans and players at BMO Field went berserk, and the the Canadian players were getting emotional as they celebrated the goal.
MAKE IT TWO.
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) October 16, 2019
Lucas Cavallini with the STATEMENT FINISH to put @CanadaSoccerEN up by two. Thanks very much
#CANMNT 2 - 0 #USMNT #CNLxOneSoccer | #CANvsUSA | #CNL pic.twitter.com/5ibIsJydxS
Canada were dominant at times in this match, and were the better team throughout, something that seemed to surprise the Americans. The United States showed a lack of desire, or a lack of urgency, something that has plagued them in recent years, and ultimately paid the price.
The win sees Canada take top spot in Nations League Group A, but more importantly, sees the red-and-white earn a vital 18 points in FIFA qualifying, all but ensuring their spot in the “hex” stage of 2022 World Cup Qualifying. The United States will have an opportunity to get their revenge on Canada on November 15th in Orlando, Florida, a game that could have major implications on the final Group A standings.
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