The USMNT left it late to win their second consecutive friendly at StubHub Center and close out training camp. Jozy Altidore headed in the game's only goal in the 89th minute to shutout Canada 1-0.
The final score didn't reflect the USMNT's chances, with a transitional lineup producing several opportunities to test Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. It was the Montreal Impact goalkeeper's first game for the full Canadian National Team, with his opposite number San Jose Earthquakes keeper David Bingham also making his debut for the USMNT. The USMNT finished with seven shots on goal to none for Canada.
USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann didn't surprise with his use of new faces in the squad. With several U-23 eligible players in camp to help prepare that team for next month's Olympic qualifiers, Klinsmann made sure several of them got time with the senior squad. Newly drafted Chicago Fire player Brandon Vincent made his USMNT debut, subbing on for Kellyn Acosta who also played his first games at full international level in this camp. DC United's Steve Birnbaum was also back in the starting lineup after his heroics against Iceland.
With both coaches eventually using all of their six substitutions, Klinsmann brought on Ethan Finlay for Jordan Morris in the 88th minute. That sub proved decisive, with Morris finding Altidore in the box for the goal.
The USMNT releases its players back to their clubs and shifts focus to the March international window at both senior and U-23 level. The senior squad returns to action at Guatemala in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying on March 25. That same day, the U-23s open their Olympic qualifying two-game series against Colombia in Barranquilla. Both teams return to action on March 29, hosting the same opponents. The USMNT plays Guatemala in World Cup qualifying at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus (7pm ET - ESPN2) and the U-23s host Colombia at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas (9:30pm ET - ESPN2).
-- GAME REPORT --
Match: U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Canada
Date: Feb. 5, 2016
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: StubHub Center; Carson, Calif.
Kickoff: 7:15 p.m. PT
Attendance: 9,274
Weather: 63 degrees, clear
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
USA 0 1 1
CAN 0 0 0
USA – Jozy Altidore (Ethan Finlay) 89th minute
Lineups:
USA: 22-David Bingham; 15-Steve Birnbaum, 13-Jermaine Jones, 5-Matt Besler, 14-Kellyn Acosta (21-Brandon Vincent, 46); 9-Gyasi Zardes (18-Jerome Kiesewetter, 61), 4-Michael Bradley (capt.), 10-Mix Diskerud (20-Wil Trapp, 77), 16-Lee Nguyen (6-Darlington Nagbe, 61); 8-Jordan Morris (7-Ethan Finlay, 88), 17-Jozy Altidore (23-Perry Kitchen, 90+2)
Subs Not Used:1-Sean Johnson, 2-Eric Miller, 11-Khiry Shelton, 24-Matt Polster, 25-Tony Tchani, 26-Tim Parker
Head coach: Jurgen Klinsmann
CAN: 1-Maxime Crepeau; 2-Nik Ledgerwood, (5-Doneil Henry, 46), 4-Adam Straith, 6-Julian de Guzman (capt.), 8-Will Johnson, 9-Cyle Larin (3-Samuel Adekugbe, 78), 12-Wandrille Lefevre (10-Kyle Bekker, 46), 15-Steven Vitoria, 16-Kianz Froese (11-Issey Nakajima-Farran, 46), 17-Marcel De Jong (13-Jamar Dixon, 85), 23-Tesho Akindele (7-Iain Hume, 72)
Subs Not Used: 14-Marco Bustos, 18-Tyson Farago, 19-Caleb Clarke, 20-Karl Ouimette, 21-Mallan Roberts, 22-Callum Irving
Head coach: Benito Floro
Stats Summary: USA / CAN
Shots: 17 / 4
Shots on Goal: 8 / 0
Saves: 0 / 7
Corner Kicks: 4 / 4
Fouls: 15 / 14
Offside: 1 / 0
Misconduct Summary:
USA – Matt Besler (caution) 42nd minute
CAN – Doneil Henry (caution) 79
Officials:
Referee: Marlon Mejia (SLV)
Assistant Referee 1: Geovany Garcia (SLV)
Assistant Referee 2: Douglas Bermudez (SLV)
4th Official: Jair Marrufo (USA)
