United States vs. Canada score: Americans exact revenge in Orlando

Rudi Schuller

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United States vs. Canada score: Americans exact revenge in Orlando image

The United States promised more intensity against Canada and delivered it in spades.

A furious first-half flurry by the host Americans spelled doom for the Canadians, and Jordan Morris put the USMNT up 1-0 within the opening two minutes. Canada seemed shell-shocked from the opening strike, and the swagger from last month's improbable win in Toronto evaporated as Gyasi Zardes and Aaron Long gave the U.S. a three-goal lead just over a half-hour in.

The poor defensive play by Canada and opportunistic finishing by the U.S. that led to the first-half rout wasn't nearly as evident in the second half, but at that point it felt like the clock was the biggest influence on the game as the home side was content with playing more conservatively and inviting the Canadians to try to open things up.

Every time the visitors got close to goal, however, the central defensive duo of Long and John Anthony Brooks were more than up to the challenge, deftly dealing with all threats both aerial and along the ground.

Eventually, Canada's more positive play did result in a goal, as Steven Vitoria scored off a corner kick in the 72nd minute that followed a good look at goal by substitute Junior Hoilett. Unfortunately for the visitors, it felt very much like a consolation goal even with nearly 20 minutes left to play, as there was little else to suggest that Canada could mount a serious comeback despite an uptick in urgency.

Perhaps predictably, the USMNT put the final nail in the coffin while Canada was pushing forward, and Zardes got his second goal of the night to end a counterattack — and the game — in the 89th minute.

Canada still leads Group A of the CONCACAF Nations League with nine points, however the U.S. will face Cuba on Tuesday and will be expected to handily defeat the island nation to leapfrog the Canadians for top spot and advancement into the semifinals.

Sporting News provided up-to-the-minute updates from Friday's match. Check out how it all went down.

United States 4, Canada 1: Updates, highlights from CONCACAF Nations League match

Pre-game

6:10 p.m. ET - Both teams have announced their lineups. Tim Ream once again dons the captains armband for the USMNT, while Doneil Henry returns to the XI for Canada.

6:41 p.m. ET - Plenty of MLS players on both sides.

7:04 p.m. ET - The anthems are underway. We're moments from kickoff.

First half

0' - Kickoff! (7:08 p.m. ET)

2' ⚽️ GOAL - The United States get a dream start as Jordan Morris fires home from inside the six-yard box off a corner kick. The Americans said they'd come out flying, and they have. USA 1, Canada 0 .

9' - Cavallini goes into the ref's book after a hard challenge on Yueill. The canadian striker left his leg in on a tackle, and now has to play the rest of the match carefully.

13' - Canada gets its first corner of the match after a Davies cross is blocked. The Canadians keep the ball in the final third for a moment before the U.S. is able to clear.

17' - Arfield takes a direct free kick from 25 yards out, forcing a save from Guzan. The shaky start seems to have faded for the visitors.

21' - Penalty shout by Canada after Arfield appears to be taken down by Brooks inside the American 18-yard box. No call by the referee, however.

23' ⚽️ GOAL - It's another for the USA after Vitoria completely misjudges a floated ball into the Canadian box. The defender misses the header attempt, allowing Morris to collect down the left. He whips in a cross for Zardes, who nods home from in close. USA 2, Canada 0 . 

32' - Lots of little fouls and players slipping on the wet surface as the game is getting a bit chippy. Clear frustration on the Canadian faces now.

34' ⚽️ GOAL - Another headed goal for the Americans, this time from Long. The defender was upfield for a free kick on the edge of the Canadian penalty area. USA 3, Canada 0 .

43' - A strange sequence here as the U.S. gets an indirect kree kick inside the 6-yard box after Davies juggled the all up and headed the ball back to Borjan to pick up. The Canadian keeper vociferously argues the call and sees yellow for his efforts.

45'+1 - After a long delay, the kick is taken and it's blocked, then cleared. Looks like the shot actually went off Zardes before being cleared by thr Canadian defence.

45'+2 - Halftime! The Canadians are shell-shocked and every player on the American side is smiling widely. What a half this has been.

Second half

46' - We're back, and it's a massive gap between the two teams to start the closing frame. (8:11 p.m. ET)

47' - Henry's down and looks like he'll be subbed off with a hamstring injury.

48' - Cornelius comes in for Henry. His first touch is to head a corner kick clear.

54' - More sloppy play at the back leads to a half-chance for Lleget, but the U.S. midfielder skies his shot.

61' - Second and third Canadian substitutions being made. Cavallini leaves for Hoilett and it looked like David would be exitig for Eustaquio, but that one was called off.

62' - Now Eustaquio comes in, for Kaye. Interestingly, Eustaquio hasn't played first-team soccer for his club (Cruz Azul) since tearing his ACL in January.

67' - Hoilett delivers a rough tackle on Yueill at midfield, and he's got a yellow card after just six minutes on the field.

69' - American sub now, as Lleget exits for Morales.

71' - Big save by Guzan after Hoilett turns and fires a rocket destined for the goal. Corner kick coming up...

72' ⚽️ GOAL - Canada with a lifeline as Vitoria nods it in from the set piece. Too little, too late? USA 3, Canada 1 .

78' - Canada really trying to push for another one, but the U.S. is doing well to break things up.

84' - Davies finally shows some of his skill after a Canadian free kick finds him down the left. The yoiungster dances into the box and gets around three or four defenders before his low shot is well saved by Guzan.

86' - Morris' day is done as he leaves for Yedlin.

89' ⚽️ GOAL - Zardes puts this one out of reach as he gets a fortuitous bounce that falls right to him. Regardless, it was a very good one-time finish for his second goal of the night. USA 4, Canada 1 .

90'+5 - Game over. The U.S. talked redemption ahead of this match, and made it happen.

Rudi Schuller