USMNT Dominates Canada to Cap Off a Flawless Fall Window: Player Ratings Revealed

The U.S. men's national team capped off a flawless fall campaign, securing its fourth straight victory on Tuesday evening with a narrow 1–0 win over Canada.

The contest at Allianz Field in St. Paul—while not as high-scoring as the previous victories against Peru, Chile and Mexico—nonetheless demonstrated the Stars and Stripes' consistent dominance and their remarkably promising future.

It also marked the USMNT's first victory over Canada since 2024 and the first of manager Mauricio Pochettino's reign.

The Argentine tactician will be immensely satisfied with how his squad performed over the past two weeks and the impact his various newcomers delivered, including 19-year-old Justin Ellis's decisive first-half winner.

The Moment That Changed the Game

It was an expression of relief, rather than jubilation, on Ellis's face after netting in the 29th minute, a strike that would turn out to be the match-winner.

The young forward was undoubtedly in considerable pain at that moment, having sustained a serious ankle injury less than 10 minutes earlier, courtesy of a sharp challenge from Canadian midfielder Stephen Eustaquio.

Following that tackle, Ellis dropped immediately to the turf, curled up and clutching his lower leg. After receiving medical attention, Ellis managed to get back on his feet unaided, though he was visibly limping. Despite this, he refused to come off. He was determined to find the net, regardless of the pain.

So when the chance presented itself just seven minutes later, the teenager wasn't about to let it slip. He had no idea how much longer his ankle would hold up. Charging (or rather, hobbling) into Canada's penalty area, he connected with a precise cross from fullback Alex Freeman. Ellis threw his leg out desperately, deflecting the ball into the back of the net.

Pochettino will long remember the tenacity and resolve Ellis displayed throughout the first half, and that moment alone may have secured him another call-up come November.

USMNT Player Ratings vs. Canada (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

GK: Brian Schwake—7.3: Dependable performance in his first-ever senior start, though he wasn't heavily tested.

RB: Alex Freeman—8.4: Effectively neutralized winger Liam Millar in wide areas with commanding one-on-one defending. His sharp instincts for when to make threatening runs into the final third—and the technical quality he brings doing so—continues to distinguish him. Delivered a superb assist for Ellis.

CB: Chris Richards—6.8: Effective in progressively stepping up the defensive line in possession to keep Canada on the back foot.

CB: George Campbell—6.8: Produced a crucial clearance from the penalty area in the 23rd minute following a lapse in concentration from partner Richards. Nearly conceded an own goal in the 67th minute.

LB: Auston Trusty—6.7: Performed more convincingly at center back than left back this fall. Even so, his versatility to cover both roles could make him invaluable to Pochettino going forward. Trusty also shows confidence winning aerial duels on defensive set-pieces.

CM: Brooklyn Raines—6.9: Appeared far more comfortable in midfield than he did against Chile and carved out a clear role as a distributor and ball-winner. He also produced some slick moments, much to the frustration of the Canadian defenders.

CM: Yunus Musah—6.1: Showed a few flashes of dynamic movement, but largely appeared sluggish and rigid.

RW: Giovanni Reyna—6.9: The only player to start all four matches this window. Rapidly cementing himself as Pochettino's go-to option. Could become a regular starter in Concacaf Nations League action next month.

AM: Malik Tillman—7.2: He was omnipresent across the central areas of the pitch. His capacity to contribute in every aspect of midfield as well as in the attacking line makes him the creative engine of the offense.

LW: Mathis Albert—6.7: Was largely underutilized on the left flank. Struggled to build a connection with Trusty.

ST: Justin Ellis—7.6: Was physically outmuscled in possession on several occasions. May require more time to adapt to the demands of senior international football. Injured his ankle in the first half, yet still managed to find the net.

SUB: Sergiño Dest (46' for Musah)—6.1: Has been largely peripheral this window and similarly found it difficult to get involved on Tuesday. Registered just one touch in his opening 20 minutes on the pitch.

SUB: Sebastian Berhalter (46' for Reyna)—6.0: Combined well with captain Tyler Adams in the double pivot. Has made a compelling case for a starting berth going forward.

SUB: Julian Hall (46' for Ellis)—6.1: Has been the standout performer of the fall window. Didn't get on the scoresheet, but that does nothing to diminish the two weeks he has had. His ability to stretch the defensive line continues to be impressive.

SUB: Cole Campbell (61' for Albert)—6.4: Made his senior debut after managing a minor injury throughout fall camp. Had an exciting breakaway in the 70th minute but was beaten to the ball. His aggressive pressing fits well with the USMNT's developing identity.

SUB: Tyler Adams (61' for Raines)—6.4: The midfield is always well organized when he is on the field, even as Canada raised the tempo in the second half.

SUB: Neil Pierre (74' for Tillman)—6.3: The partnership of Neil Pierre and Richards at the back could be what the USMNT relies on come 2030. Showed strong positional awareness.

SUB: Adri Mehmeti (74' for Campbell)—6.1: Still learning the tempo and rhythm of the midfield and where he fits within it.

SUB: Antonee Robinson (74' for Trusty)—6.2: Looked considerably sharper and more refreshed than he did against Mexico. When performing at his peak, there is no one better at left back.

Subs not used: Matt Freese (GK), Chris Brady (GK), Diego Kochen (GK), Damion Downs, Zavier Gozo, Peyton Miller, Miles Robinson, Cavan Sullivan

What the Ratings Tell Us

The Numbers That Explain the USMNT's Victory