The U.S. Men’s National Team won the 2022/23 Concacaf Nations League title on Sunday night with a 2-0 victory over Canada at Allegiant Stadium. Center back Chris Richards and forward Folarin Balogun became the first and second players to score their first international goals in a Final, with both first-half goals assisted by midfielder Gio Reyna as the USMNT claimed its third consecutive Concacaf tournament, adding to its 2021 Nations League and 2021 Gold Cup titles.
Captain and forward Christian Pulisic was named the tournament’s Best Player and goalkeeper Matt Turner took Best Goalkeeper honors. Forward Ricardo Pepi finished tied with Canada’s Jonathan David with four goals in the tournament.
Head coach B.J. Callaghan fielded the youngest starting XI deployed by the USMNT in a tournament final, with an average age just under 24 years-old and featuring seven players 23 or younger.
USA forward Folarin Balogun (20) celebrates after scoring in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Photo: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
First Half
Despite the youth, veteran defender Walker Zimmerman and Turner made key plays early on that helped set the tone for another dominant and exciting performance. Seven minutes in, Zimmerman found himself high up field and took a cross from the left at the top of the box and one-timed a left-footed volley with pace that went narrowly wide. Second later, Turner made the first of four solid saves to deny an attempt by forward Cyle Larin.
Meanwhile, Reyna and winger Tim Weah caused Canada problems with their speed and attacking prowess. Shortly after Weah nearly connected with Pulisic at the near post, Reyna delivered a corner kick in the 12th minute that Richards headed in from seven yards out for his first career goal.
While the U.S. looked sharp in the attack, Canada held their own and kept possession for long spurts.
Just past the half hour mark, Reyna set up Balogun for the USA’s second goal as the forward held his mark off with strength and hit a first-time shot from close range for his first USMNT goal in only his second match.
Turner kept the two-goal advantage with diving saves off shots from Alphonso Davies at the near post and a rip from Stephen Eustáquio from 22 yards out. Later, a long ball from Turner was inadvertently headed back by defender Scott Kennedy, but goalkeeper Milan Borjan reacted to avoid the own goal.
Chris Richards and Canada midfielder Ismael Kone (8) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Photo: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
Second Half
In the 55th minute, Richards was playing high on a set piece as a second-chance ball made its way towards goal. Richards out-jumped Canada’s defenders and headed a dangerous ball that Borjan tipped off the crossbar. The ensuing corner fell to Balogun, who turned from four yards out and fired a shot past Borjan, but Kennedy blocked it off the goal line. The rebound fell to Yunus Musah, whose shot was saved by Borjan.
Canada pressed high for most of the second half, however could not break down the USA’s composed and attuned back line.
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