Goals from Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan David earned Canada an encouraging 2-1 friendly win over the United States in Kansas City.
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to take over the USMNT as the country prepares for co-hosting duties at the 2026 World Cup. On this evidence – and the team’s limp performance as Copa America host in the summer – he has plenty of work to do. Mikey Varas is currently in interim charge of the USMNT.
An unmarked Stephen Eustaquio wastefully flashed a shot wide from inside the box after a positive opening from Canada. Thankfully for the visitor, the U.S. was in an accommodating mood. The following minute, Shaffelburg – a revelation at Copa America – also found himself with swaths of space in the penalty area when David unselfishly rolled the ball to him. The Nova Scotian winger’s left-footed shot skidded past goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and into the bottom corner.
The move that led to the opener arose after the USMNT’s attempt to build up play from the back culminated with Malik Tillman’s heavy touch landing at Eustaquio’s feet. That error proved costly just seconds later.
Canada fired 11 shots toward the U.S. goal in the first half, while the United States attempted one shot.