Justin Ellis helps US cap a perfect international window with 1-0 win over Canada
The Guardian • • sports
Key Points:
- The US defeated Canada 1-0 in a physical and stop-start soccer match in Minnesota, with Justin Ellis scoring the only goal and Brian Schwake keeping a clean sheet in his first international start.
- The game featured 43 fouls, reflecting the intense rivalry and physicality between the teams, with Canada committing slightly more fouls and receiving more yellow cards than the US.
- Referee Steven Madrigal had a busy match managing numerous fouls and 50/50 challenges, struggling at times to maintain flow and consistency in officiating.
- Despite multiple set-piece opportunities in the first half, the US failed to capitalize beyond Ellis’ goal, and both teams had limited scoring chances in the second half.
- The match paid tribute to the history of refereeing with a nod to Joseph Hudson, inventor of the whistle, while fans enjoyed the autumn weather and post-game celebrations.
