Canada’s wide attacks give this match a different shape from the United States’ recent wins. Mexico pressed the U.S. into a difficult start before errors near its own goal helped turn the score. Liam Millar’s service and Jacob Shaffelburg’s runs have given Canada a repeatable route into the box. With the U.S. closing a four match camp, I see a contest that can stay close.
Against Peru, Millar supplied the crosses for both of Shaffelburg’s goals. Shaffelburg also drove the move that produced Jonathan David’s goal against Chile. Those plays offer Canada a way to attack the spaces behind a U.S. side that has conceded from a turnover and a cross during this run.
The U.S. has several ways to score, including Alex Freeman and Gio Reyna combining on the right and Julian Hall arriving near goal. Its win over Mexico still needs context: Mexico’s early pressure disrupted the build up, and two later goals followed mistakes in Mexico’s half. Mauricio Pochettino has rotated his starters heavily across the camp, while Canada has played fewer matches in the same stretch.
