U.S. vs – Justin Ellis pushed through an ankle injury to secure a 1-0 win for the U.S. over Canada in St. Paul, while the visitors grappled with a significant collarbone injury to Stephen Eustaquio.
The teenage forward went down clutching his right ankle. hobbling off the field in visible pain. but minutes later Justin Ellis was back in the thick of it. By the 29th minute in St. Paul, Minnesota, he was the difference-maker, darting into the six-yard box to bury a loose ball from Alex Freeman. That lone goal secured a 1-0 victory for the United States. capping a dominant international window that already included wins over Chile. Peru. and Mexico.
While Ellis managed to stay in the game after his 20th-minute collision with Stephen Eustaquio. the physical toll on both sides was unmistakable. Eustaquio. Canada’s vice-captain. remained on the pitch to finish the final minutes of the first half after a hard challenge from Gio Reyna. but the damage was done. The Swansea midfielder did not emerge for the second half. with Mathieu Choinière taking his place and Jonathan David assuming the captaincy as the team confirmed Eustaquio was unable to continue due to a collarbone injury.
Canada’s night was defined by high-intensity pressure that simply refused to convert. Early on, Jacob Shaffleburg tested U.S. goalkeeper Brian Schwake twice in the 16th minute—first with a long-distance strike and again with a blistering effort from the side of the box that forced a diving save. The Canadians nearly drew level in the 63rd minute when Luc de Fougerolles fired a rocket off a free kick. only to watch Schwake tip it into the bottom of the crossbar. Late in the match. substitute Promise David found space off a Daniel Jebbison cross. but his header drifted just wide of the post.
The U.S. defense held firm through the late-match surge, keeping the clean sheet as the Canadian offensive drought continued. This result leaves Canada with a 2-1-0 record for the window, following their earlier 1-0 victory over Chile in Toronto and a 2-0 win over Peru in Montreal.
Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. The Canadians are scheduled to face Guatemala on November 13 in the opening leg, followed by a return to Toronto on November 16 for the series finale.
Justin Ellis U.S. men's soccer Canada soccer Stephen Eustaquio international friendly St. Paul CONCACAF Nations League