Gregg Berhalter

Shock defeat to Canada ramps up the pressure on USA coach.

- John Holmesdale 

The USA’s national-team problems continue. After their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and this summer’s loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup Final, they went down 2-0 to Canada in the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League.

It was the first time in 17 games against Canada that the United States had lost, and the first time since 1985.

Goals from Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies on 63 minutes and Lucas Cavallini in injury time gave the Canadians a deserved victory. Indeed, it could have been much worse as Jonathan David, the 19-year-old Gent forward, missed two further golden chances, one in each half. Following a performance lacking in energy and ideas, the pressure has ramped up on coach Berhalter.