USA vs. Canada score: Morris, Zardes lead USMNT to revenge victory in Orlando
The U.S. jumped out to a 3-0 lead and held on
The United States men's national team looked at Friday night's game against Canada as revenge for last month's unbelievable defeat to the neighbors to the north in CONCACAF Nations League play, and the Americans got their revenge. Next up may just be first place in the group. The USMNT jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first half and ended up winning 4-1 in Orlando with Jordan Morris, Gyasi Zardes and Aaron Long all scoring. Zardes finished the night with two goals after scoring a late goal to put it away.
The U.S. was without key players due to injury like Christian Pulisic, Zack Steffen and Michael Bradley, yet they were able to set the tone early to move within a victory of first place in Group A. The U.S. can clinch first place in its group by beating Cuba on Tuesday.
Here are three takeaways from the match.
1. Credit for taking advantage of the opportunities provided
Canada gave the U.S. opportunities with a poor defense that at time looked like it wasn't paying attention, but credit to the U.S. for fully taking advantage off those opportunities. It all came down to poor defending and giving the U.S. space, which it was able to exploit time and time again with some clinical finishing.
The opening goal two minutes in from Morris came off the foot of Sergino Dest and a lack of reaction by the Canada defense. Take a look:
Then Canada's backline was caught sleeping as Paul Arriola did well to switch the field to Morris, who got the assist on Zardes' header 23 minutes in:
The last goal came 34 minutes in on what was a wide open header for Long inside the box on a set piece where Tim Ream delivered a fine cross:
If Canada is just going to give the U.S. that much space, they'll welcome it. On Friday, they took advantage of it.
2. Still sloppy at times ... but it was a bit better
While the scoreline screams dominant victory, there are always things to work on. For the U.S., the play continued to look sloppy at times. It was much improved from the 2-0 loss to Canada last month, but the unforced errors are still there in abundance. Some poor passes when being pressed are common, but it's the one when players have time and space that are concerning. It's a lack of sharpness and a lack of execution that can directly result into key chances for the other team. The U.S. avoided a couple of those situations, but the sloppy passing in parts of the first half are still concerning to see. The good thing is, those can all be corrected, and they weren't as sloppy as in the first meeting. Baby steps.
3. Berhalter played his defense the right way
As we pointed out in our three keys to the game, the outside backs needed to play a bit conservatively, not get caught too high up the field and remain composed. For the most part, they did that. Sergino Dest looked sharp, and he'll have that freedom to get forward, but by going with Long, John Brooks and Tim Ream in the back, the U.S. was able to stick with a firm backline of three to four defenders at all times. There were instances where Dest wasn't going too far forward either, and keeping that defensive shape was key to stifling Canada's chances on the counter.
Starting lineups
USMNT: Brad Guzan; Sergino Dest, Aaron Long, John Brooks, Tim Ream; Jackson Yueill, Sebastian Lletget, Weston McKennie; Jordan Morris, Gyasi Zardes, Paul Arriola.
Canada: Milan Borjan,Richie Laryea, Steven Vitoria, Scott Arfield, Samuel Piette, Alphonso Davis, Mark-Anthony Kay, Doneil Henry, Jonathan David, Jonathan Osorio, Lucas Cavallini.
United States 4, Canada 1 (final)
3-1 now as the U.S. looks to hold on for the final 20 minutes.
Hour in here, U.S. still in full control but not really any good chances in this second half so far outside of one from Lletget that went wide.
52 minutes out and the crowd, the small crowd, is making itself heard. USA going for a fourth to officially kill off this game.
Second half from Orlando is underway!