INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Jonathan David netted the decisive goal early in the second half, helping Canada edge the United States men’s national team with a 2-1 win in the CONCACAF Nations League third-place match on Sunday evening.
Tani Oluwaseyi gave Canada the lead in the first half, with Patrick Agyemang equalizing for the U.S. in the 35th minute. However, in the 59th minute, David’s goal ultimately sealed the U.S. team’s fate under coach Mauricio Pochettino, who now has witnessed a moderately successful start with a record of 5-3 over half a year as they prepare for next year’s World Cup at home.
Canada, traditionally trailing behind the U.S. in their soccer rivalry, has grasped the upper hand lately—though this game was played under far less contentious circumstances than the politically charged atmosphere at last month’s 4 Nations hockey tournament, spurred by former President Donald Trump’s provocative remarks and tariff disputes.
This victory marked the first time since 1985 that Canada has triumphed over the U.S. in back-to-back encounters following their friendly win last September. It was also the first competitive win on American soil since their World Cup qualifier victory in 1957, held at SoFi Stadium, near Los Angeles, where the U.S. will kick off their World Cup campaign next year.
The match saw Canada captain Alphonso Davies leave the pitch in the 12th minute with what appeared to be a right knee injury. Although he initially headed to the locker room, Davies later returned to the field with ice applied to his knee. Bayern Munich readies for their Champions League quarterfinal clash against Inter Milan on April 8.
David recorded his 32nd international goal with Canada, extending his national team scoring record. The goal was crafted through a setup from Ali Ahmed, who adeptly fed David, piercing a flawed U.S. defense with a precise left-footed strike.
Canadian coach Jesse Marsch was ejected five minutes before David’s goal following a heated protest against an accurate non-penalty call by the referee. Caught on camera sprinting through stadium corridors in apparent search of a television to catch the match, Marsch eventually took a seat in the stands to witness the closing moments.
The Americans participated in the third-place match after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Panama on Thursday night, with Cecilio Waterman dealing the knockout punch in injury time. Struggling to mount significant pressure, the U.S. fell short of seizing the Nations League title for the first time, preventing a fourth consecutive triumph in the CONCACAF competition.
Canada lost its own semifinal clash 2-0 to Mexico.
In its previous three editions, the U.S. either secured the title or recorded favorable performances, but this time they seemed to lack both strategic foresight and resolve across the two matches played at the World Cup-hosting SoFi.
Pochettino acknowledged the Americans’ lackluster attacking creativity and finishing after the loss to Panama, prompting five starting lineup alterations for the encounter against Canada. Among the newcomers were Bay Area native Luna, who contributed creative playmaking during his inaugural competitive match for the U.S., and Charlotte’s 24-year-old striker Agyemang, who scored during his competitive debut.
Canada exerted considerable offensive pressure in the first half, with David’s initial attempt deflecting to a wide-open Oluwaseyi, who swiftly converted, igniting celebrations among the Canadian supporters positioned behind the north goal.
The U.S. responded eight minutes later with a cohesive build-up, where Timothy Weah delivered an incisive run before connecting with Luna. Luna’s deft pass inside the box found Agyemang, whose perfectly-timed strike dribbled past Canada’s goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, despite him managing a partial save.
American captain Christian Pulisic exited after 69 minutes, concluding his second scoreless appearance of the week. The U.S. kept pressing until the match’s conclusion, with Max Arfsten missing a late opportunity setup by Luna and Weah during stoppage time.
Both Arfsten and substitute defender Marlon Fossey marked their competitive debuts with the national team in this highly contested showdown.