USMNT expecting tough challenge in latest Canada showdown

The U.S. men’s national team faces its toughest test yet in Concacaf Gold Cup play on Sunday, and although the Americans recently got the better in their last showdown with Canada, they know a rejuvenated squad will oppose them in Cincinnati.

B.J. Callaghan’s squad defeated Canada 2-0 in the Concacaf Nations League Final last June, earning a third trophy over the past three year. However, only goalkeeper Matt Turner returns from June’s starting lineup, while many new faces have excelled during group stage play this month.

Canada needed a 4-2 group stage finale victory over Cuba to clinch a knockout round berth, but Callaghan isn’t doubting the Canadians ability to pull a shock Sunday night at TQL Stadium.

“They’re a well-coached team,” Callaghan said during Saturday’s press conference. “They’re a World Cup-level opponent, so this is exactly the type of match that we want to challenge our group with.”

Similar to the USMNT, Canada head coach John Herdman made plenty of roster changes coming into the Gold Cup while giving his European stars a break before the new club season. There are still plenty of experienced players in the Canada squad though with midfielder Jonathan Osorio, forwards Junior Hoilett and Lucas Cavallini, and defenders Richie Laryea and Steven Vitoria all eclipsing 30 international caps or more.

Canada has posted a 2-1-3 record against the USMNT in its last six head-to-head showdowns, which has certainly changed the narrative in the rivalry across all competitions.

“We’re not looking at it as anything more than just the team that we have to play to get to the semifinal – that’s sort of been like our messaging around the camp,” goalkeeper Matt Turner said of Canada. “We understand that there’s a developing history there, games that have gone both ways. We’re not taking anything for granted. We know it’s gonna take a great effort to get the result that we want.”

“We’re treating it like it’s just [another opponent] instead of a derby,” USMNT midfielder Djordje Mihailovic said. “We respect them, of course. We know the quality with their coach and the quality of the players. But for us, we’re focusing on what we’re bringing to the field and how we’re going to perform instead of what this game means for them.”

The USMNT has rebounded from an opening night draw with Jamaica by steamrolling Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago by a combined score of 12-0. Jesus Ferreira has led the way with six goals scored, while defenders Jalen Neal and DeJuan Jones, and midfielder James Sands have also been among the positive performers over the group stage.

Callaghan has provided plenty of opportunities for his entire squad so far this summer and although many came into camp from the end of their European seasons or the middle of their MLS campaigns, he praised the growing chemistry between his players with the current stakes getting higher.

“Leading into the Jamaica match, we had three days of training,” Callaghan said. “Guys were coming basically from all over – coming from MLS clubs, coming from [European] offseasons. So I would say the biggest improvement has just been the connection of the group, on and off the field.”