Preview — It was a result that nobody at U.S. Soccer saw coming. With the faith behind Gregg Berhalter and the U.S. men’s national team, a loss against Canada seemed far off the radar. However, it happened about a month ago.
Now, the team is suiting up for a rematch down in Florida. Tonight, the USMNT and Canada face off since that fateful day in Toronto. No, the USMNT aren’t in danger in the Nations League, but right now, it doesn’t look pretty.
While the focus of Canada’s victory swirled to the United States, it’s hard to not compliment Canada and their accomplishments. This is a side that brought over John Herdman from the women’s national team. The team even lost Mark-Anthony Kaye in the opening minutes of the match, one of their better players on the pitch.
For the United States and their manager Berhalter, there seemed to be a lack of intensity against Canada. Berhalter called that out again during his midweek press conference.
“As we process through the game, one of our observations is that when we’re playing these games away from home, the opponent is treating this game like it’s the biggest game of their lives,” Berhalter said. “Canada hadn’t beat us in 34 years, and was playing like that. For us to be successful.. We need to match that intensity or exceed that intensity.”
The theme for tonight’s match has been deemed payback.
However, in order to serve payback, you need a result. The United States, though, can’t necessarily play out of fear. There can’t be any thoughts about losing to Canada twice in one year before the match starts. There needs to be confidence from the group.
“I think it’s a group that is developing,” Berhalter said. “I think it’s a resilient, brave group.”
🇺🇸😤
"We're coming into this game definitely looking for some 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞."
– @joshsargent on #USAvCAN pic.twitter.com/kq4IuIDiCs
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) November 14, 2019
What the USMNT Players are Saying
There will be no Zack Steffen or Christian Pulisic on the pitch for the United States. Both players are dealing with injuries, with Pulisic’s being a hip injury suffered during play with Chelsea. Meanwhile, Michael Bradley is also out of camp, as he sustained a right ankle injury during the MLS Cup Final.
However, the United States has young talent. Specifically, Weston McKennie has taken a leadership role within the team and has been performing consistently for the national team. McKennie said that the players still have a sour taste in their mouth from the loss last month.
“It’s a relatively young group of guys,” McKennie said. “A lot of guys [are] just starting to get into the system as well. For me, personally, I think a lot of the players have to step into that leadership role. Even though you’re young, I don’t think your age has to do with being a leader. You see it on the field, who’s prepared for it and who’s not.”
Alfredo Morales even went as far to say that the U.S. needs to “kill” Canada on the pitch.
“That shows what type of personality he has,” McKennie said. “You can put it more friendly words, you can put it anyway you want… We want to dominate the first 15 minutes. They showed that quite often and in the last game we played them. We’re not really satisfied with it and how we responded to it.”
A memorable moment. #OTD in 2017, 19-year-old @WMcKennie scored in his international debut to help the #USMNT earn a 1-1 draw at reigning European champions 🇵🇹. pic.twitter.com/cXXUJ1STty
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) November 14, 2019
Where to Watch
Tonight’s match will kick off at 7 p.m. EST.
Fans can watch on ESPN2. Then, on Tuesday, the USMNT will take on Cuba at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in the Cayman Islands. The match will air on Fox Sports 1.
