Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States celebrates scoring with his teammates during the first half of the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Final against Canada at Allegiant Stadium on June 18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by John Todd/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Christian Pulisic did his best on Thursday to contain the USMNT’s celebrations after a comfortable 3-0 win over Mexico in a tough rivalry game. It was only a semi-final, so Pulisic spoke shirtless.
“Be modest about it, folks.” interjected Pulisic. “Enjoy tonight, enjoy tonight but we are here to win the final. We are here to beat Canada.”
And they did just that in Sunday night’s 2-0 win over their other regional rivals in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League final. They made their “damn statement” on Thursday Pulisic had asked for it. On Sunday, they won the trophy – and prevented Canada from winning its first title in over two decades.
The USMNT played shorthanded, without Weston McKennie and Sergiño Dest, both suspended after red cards against Mexico. And Canada was confident after beating and drawing USA in World Cup qualifiers and finishing at the top of the CONCACAF table. But in the end, CONCACAF reigning kings USMNT went through the tournament twice in a row thanks to goals from Chris Richards and new signing Folarin Balogun in the first half.
This is how the game played between the USMNT and Canada: