Canada beats USMNT on American soil for 1st time since 1957

Canada strengthened its case as the best men's team in CONCACAF on Saturday with its first away win over the United States since 1957.

The squad's recent accomplishments include topping the region's 2022 World Cup qualification cycle and reaching the 2024 Copa America semifinals. The United States and Mexico fell in the group stage of the latter tournament.

And now Wisconsin native Jesse Marsch has taken down his homeland as head coach of Canada. Goals from Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan David earned Canada an encouraging 2-1 friendly win 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.

"I'd rather coach our team right now, 100%. No questions asked," Marsch said post-match.

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.

Folarin Balogun raised hopes of an improved performance after the break when he forced Maxime Crepeau into a save, but the USMNT soon surrendered another goal after more sloppiness in defense. Tim Ream's short yet wayward pass was gathered by the Canadians, and they squeezed through some desperate defending before David lifted the ball into the top corner from close range.

Canada was unfortunate to have its lead halved in the 66th minute. Christian Pulisic's excellent cutback somehow evaded everybody, but the U.S. recycled possession and, via a scuffed shot and a scruffy challenge inside the box, the ball squirted to substitute Luca de la Torre. He coolly slotted the ball home.

Substitutions appeared to rob the match of some rhythm as more players received opportunities to impress. Ricardo Pepi fought off a challenge minutes after being introduced, but Crepeau was quick off his line to block the PSV Eindhoven forward's effort.

However, the USMNT seldom threatened Canada's goal in the closing stages and succumbed to its second-ever defeat to its neighbor on home soil.