The U.S. Men’s National Team brushed past CONCACAF rival Canada 2-0 in the Nations League Championship Game on Sunday. America defended its 2021 title and repeated as champions of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football. The win cements the U.S. as its kings; the team has won three consecutive tournaments (Nations League and Gold Cup). Despite heavy debate between Mexico, America, and Canada, it is evident that America is the team to beat.
The match started out with a few strong attacks on both sides. The attacks would eventually pay off for the U.S., as in the 12’ minute, Chris Richards scored off of a beautiful header from a corner kick by Giovanni Reyna.
Richards’ goal completely shifted the momentum of the game, as the U.S. stayed on the attack for the remainder of the first half. While Canada did have some close calls, including a save from Matt Turner in the 29’ minute, they were never able to put the ball in the back of the net.
The match began to get out of hand when, in the 34’ minute, Folarin Balogun scored his first goal as a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team. The striker, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, committed to play for America over the United Kingdom in May. After his two appearances, Balogun stated “I’ve only been here a short time, but… I feel a part of something bigger.”
The goal was assisted by Reyna, who earned Man of the Match honors with his two assists, becoming the leader in goal contributions in championship matches in U.S. Mens National Team history with four in two finals games.
The U.S. was playing without Sergiño Dest and Weston McKinnie due to their red card suspensions in the previous Mexico match. Interim Head Coach B.J Callaghan said, “We need to perform in high-intensity knockout games… That’s something that we learned from the World Cup.”
It is evident that the goal of this American team is to compete at the highest level. Team Captain Christian Pulisic stated that the win was “Another step in the right direction.” Pulisic won the Best Player award for the tournament, powered by his two-goal performance vs. Mexico in the semifinals. Matt Turner also won Best Goalkeeper award, as he didn’t allow a single score all tournament.
