The United States beat Canada 1-0 in Minnesota through a Justin Ellis goal, closing the international window in a match marked by frequent fouls.
Nineteen-year-old Ellis scored the only goal at Allianz Field, finishing an Alex Freeman cross in the 25th minute. It was his second goal in his first three appearances for the national team. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake kept a clean sheet in his first international start.
The Guardian described the St Paul match as stop-start and physical. The teams committed 43 fouls, with the United States accounting for one more than Canada. By halftime, Canada had 13 fouls to the Americans’ 10. Canada pressed aggressively, while the hosts struggled to build attacks through the middle.
Ellis was hurt in a collision in the 20th minute but returned after treatment. Five minutes later, Freeman advanced through the channel and crossed for Ellis to score. The goal did little to open up the game: each side managed only two attempts in the second half.
Both coaches made changes at halftime, but the pattern remained largely the same. Julian Hall came close for Canada when he ran through on goal, but his shot hit the outside of the net. The Guardian also noted the return of Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St Clair to the venue after leaving Minnesota United for Inter Miami.