USA defeats Canada to win second CONCACAF Nations League crown
Balogun nets first goal for USMNT
The USA scored twice in the first half to claim a 2-0 win over Canada and win the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League, retaining the title they won in 2021.
Following a comfortable win over Mexico in the semifinals in a rematch of the 2021 final, reigning champions USA were facing Canada in the final. They were without Weston McKennie, who had been sent off in the semifinal match.
USA did not waste any time to take the lead as Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards stepped up to power home a header following a corner kick from Giovanni Reyna in the 12th minute of the encounter.
The Americans were in control of the tie and playing some of their best football in a while, and they doubled their advantage ten minutes before half-time.
Reyna drove through the heart of the Canadian side before laying off an inch-perfect ball into the path of Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, who executed a first-time finish to score his first goal for the USMNT in only his second game for the country.
Canada managed to threaten from distance but did not manage to really work Matt Turner in the USA goal as he had routine saves to make.
Balogun was denied a second goal by a goal line block following a brilliant swivel and shot as the game wound down.
The USMNT held on for an impressive win over Canada, retaining their CONCACAF Nations League crown in style. Captain Christian Pulisic was named Player of the Tournament.
