Abbey Murphy (a former guest on this week’s episode of the NBCLA podcast) was a big reason why the United States beat Canada 6-3 in Sunday’s gold-medal match. She bought a call, outwaited the sliding defender and scored on an open goal.
Generational talents like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David are gaining confidence in Canada’s ability to knock the USA off its perch. But they’ll have to play well to do so.
Goals
As expected, both sides are attacking at will, and it appears as though the goal scoring will be the deciding factor in this one. Christian Pulisic scored a brace in the USMNT’s semifinal victory over Mexico, which puts him at 24 goals in his international career. He’ll be joined tonight by Gio Reyna, Tim Weah and Brenden Aaronson.
But the USA’s attack isn’t without its faults, as a lack of finishing and defensive mistakes will cost them. The USA is 6-6-2 overall in tournament finals and is searching for its first Gold Cup win since 1991.
The two rivals have a long history in the sport and are frequent foes in a variety of sports. Tonight will be the third time that these teams have met in a knockout round match, and it could be a tight affair.
The USMNT has several players in contention for the 2022-23 CONCACAF Nations League Golden Boot, including Pulisic (four goals), Reyna (three) and Alphonso Davies (three). Canada’s Jonathan David is tied with Pepi with four goals but holds the tiebreaker over the Bayern Munich forward. Sergino Dest and Weston McKennie are both suspended for the game, while Canada’s Alphonso Davies is a doubt with a hamstring injury picked up against Panama. The Americans will also be missing midfielders Kendall Coyne Schofield and Maddie Rooney, as well as defenders Auston Trusty and Taylor Heise.
Defense
Canada’s defense has a good chance of being the difference-maker in Sunday’s final. Canada is coming off a win in the semi-final against Panama, with goals from Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies complemented by a clean sheet from goalkeeper Matt Turner. The Americans, on the other hand, are fresh off a 3-0 victory over Mexico in the other semi-final.
USA interim head coach BJ Callaghan will be missing two starters from that match due to red cards. Midfielder Weston McKennie and right-back Sergino Dest were sent off after getting into physical altercations with Mexican players.
Regardless, the American backline is still very talented and can be expected to hold their own against Canada’s best attackers. The likes of Juventus defender Auston Trusty and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Joe Scally should be able to provide protection for star midfielder Christian Pulisic and help out with some of the defensive work in front of him.
Canada has a decent chance of winning the first trophy in 23 years, but it won’t be easy. Despite the presence of some key role players, this is not yet a squad that has the depth to overcome individual struggles or opponents keying in on their best players. If Stephen Eustaquio has another off-day or if Alphonso Davies gets double-teamed on the flank, this team will struggle to find an answer.
Attack
After slapping longtime rival Mexico in the semifinals, the USA will look to win another Nations League trophy when they meet Canada on Sunday. The Americans have a lot of attacking firepower with Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson, and Tim Weah all available.
The burgeoning Canadians will be underdogs, but John Herdman’s squad has shown that it can compete with the top teams in North America. A result in this final would give Herdman another statement win and prove that he is ready to lead the team at the next level.
Both sides will need to play smart and take advantage of the space that is available in the middle of the field. Both defensive units will be tested, as will the goalkeepers. Liam Entenmann and Canada’s Caleb Creasor will both be under pressure to perform well.
The game will be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, and fans can watch it live on Paramount+. Those in Mountain Time can tune in to the match at 6:30 pm. The United States will be without starters Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest, who both received red cards in the semifinal against Mexico. However, they have a solid backup in Arsenal’s Auston Trusty. He is expected to replace Joe Scally at center back, while Oleksandr Zinchenko will be able to return after his groin injury.
Goalkeepers
The USA enters this match brimming with confidence after a thrashing of their rivals in a game that saw tempers boil over. But they will have to do without two starters after Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest were shown straight red cards for their involvement in physical altercations with Mexican players. Interim head coach BJ Callaghan will have to rely on Borussia Monchengladbach’s Joe Scally at right-back, a matchup that could favour Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies.
Regardless of the formation, Canada will need to have a player or players who can create chances to be dangerous to the USA back line. That likely means Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan David, who played well in his first appearance since returning from injury in the win over Panama. And he will be up against the USA’s top goal scorer, Christian Pulisic, who has been in excellent form all tournament long.
Another key Canadian will be defender Scott Kennedy, who was crucial in his team’s 2-1 win over the United States in their semi-final clash. He made a fantastic block to deny Folarin Balogun a first-half header, and then was on hand to snuff out the threat of a Yunus Musah strike late in the second half. The defending champions are on the verge of winning a sixth consecutive title. They have the best record in CONCACAF and are unbeaten against the USA during World Cup qualifying, a 1-1 draw and a 2-0 victory.
