'A hell of a performance': CanMNT stars react to dominant win over USMNT

It wasn't exactly the kind of history the Canadian men's national team had in mind at the 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League Finals this week in Los Angeles.

The overarching goal was to lift a first trophy in 25 years, one that ended bitterly with Thursday's 2-0 loss to Mexico in the competition's semi-finals. The fact that they were unable to accomplish that will remain a sizeable missed opportunity for this Canadian team.

However, defeating the United States 2-1 in the third-place game, the first time they have defeated the USMNT in back-to-back matches in nearly 40 years, is a pretty satisfying consolation.

Jonathan David scored the winner, his record 32nd for country in the 59th minute. Tani Oluwaseyi's opener in the 27th minute, his first goal for Canada, had been cancelled out by the United States' Patrick Agyemang in the 35th.

Just three days removed from that heartbreaking loss to Mexico in the semis, Canada showed impressive resolve and fight to bounce back and deliver an outstanding performance and result.

"We wanted to win this tournament," Canadian men's national team assistant coach Mauro Biello told media after the match. "I think we showed that in the game the other night, the performance against Mexico. It didn't go our way. But the mentality of this team is strong, and today was another big test for us against a very good American team. And it showed that we're ready to compete and beat everyone in this region."

The fact that it was Biello speaking to the media after the match was a direct result of the passion Canada showed during the match. Head Coach Jesse Marsch was sent off in the 54th minute after getting perhaps a touch overexcited after what he felt should have been a penalty for Canada.

As a result, he is expected to miss the opening match of this summer's Concacaf Gold Cup through suspension. But it was a moment that felt like a rallying point for a Canadian team who were immensely frustrated with the officiating throughout the competition.

"It's not in our DNA to roll around on the ground and play that way, I think you've seen that through Copa América, you've seen that through this tournament as well, we're just too honest of people," Canadian full-back Alistair Johnston told OneSoccer's Kristian Jack after the match. "I think that he felt we were almost getting hard done by. People were taking our niceness and using it as a negative, taking advantage of it.

"So I think he wanted to take a little bit of a sign, and a stand that this isn't right. It's not fair that just because we aren't going to roll around and con people we shouldn't get the calls that we deserve."

Photo: Concacaf 

Canada used Marsch's dismissal as a galvanizing moment. Just five minutes later, David fired home a brilliant left-footed strike which served as the match-winner. The goal, which came on his weak foot -- the 13th left-footed goal he has scored for Canada -- was the latest magical moment from Canada's brilliant number nine.

"I just remember Ali getting the ball, and I knew I was in a good space," David told OneSoccer. "So when I received the ball I saw Tajon running beyond me, and from there I knew the defender had to respect his run and go with him. So then I take my touch inside and finish with the left foot."

While goalscoring is one element of David's game, Biello was quick to mention all of the other ways David continues to contribute to this Canadian team's success.

"Johnny does a lot of the work that a lot of people don't see," said Biello. "I just think of that 50-metre dash on that transition from a set piece. That's our leading goalscorer and he ran 50 yards back. I think that speaks a lot to the type of player he is, and the type of leader he is also. Because when he does that, it pushes other players to perform even higher."

Marsch made three changes to his starting eleven from Thursday's semi-final, and was forced into a fourth in the twelfth minute when captain Alphonso Davies had to be removed through injury. In many ways, it was the new players inserted into the lineup who stood out most.

Mathieu Choinière was excellent in a midfield two with Ismaël Koné, Tani Oluwaseyi scored his first goal for Canada, Tajon Buchanan was dangerous down the right flank, and Sigur, who replaced Davies, showed calm and composure at right-back.

"I think it goes to show now that this team isn't a really strong starting 11, this team is building depth and building a really strong squad," said Johnston, who himself was moved to left-back for the first time in his career after Davies' injury. "And that's why you need to have because injuries happen, players are out of form. And if you want to be a footballing nation you need to have guys at every position, multiple deep. We're seeing that now."

In many ways, it is this newfound depth that has truly elevated Canada to being considered among the region's elite. Sunday's performance, especially in light of Thursday's disappointment, was a big example of just how far they have come.

"Of course, it's only a third-place game, but man that means a lot," said Johnston. "I think for the people back home, it means a lot to me. Really proud of the team, and really proud of every single guy that went out there and stepped up...we came together and put in a hell of a performance we can all be really proud of."

The next step remains to find a way to string together enough to these performances in order to accomplish that ultimate goal of securing a trophy. As these Canadian players head their separate ways from camp, that remains a primary focus for the future.

"We have a silver medal from the [2022-23] Nation's League, we have now a bronze," Canadian midfielder Stephen Eustáquio told Kristian Jack after the match. "We're just missing a golden medal, and I think we're going to have the team to fight for it next time."

That fight will continue this summer at the Concacaf Gold Cup, almost certainly without Eustáquio, Tajon Buchanan, Davies and potentially other regular Canadian starters. But on Sunday Canada showed that there is enough depth and fight in this team that they will once again go into that competition as serious contenders. The lessons they learned over this past week will only fuel that pursuit.