USMNT undisputed king of CONCACAF after Nations League stroll

The U.S. is the region’s best team right now, and it isn’t really that close

The U.S. men’s national team is, once again, the unquestioned king of CONCACAF.

After steamrolling Mexico in the Nations League semifinal on Thursday, the U.S. dispatched Canada 2-0 in the final on Sunday to cement its status atop the region.

Though the USMNT won both the Nations League and Gold Cup two summers ago, the upstart Canadians finished atop CONCACAF’s World Cup qualifying table last year. Not only was Canada finally breaking up the region’s duopoly, but it actually looked like it could have a shout to be the top dog.

Not anymore.

After a World Cup where the USMNT was the only CONCACAF team to reach the knockout stage, the Nations League was a thoroughly convincing way to cement its place on top of the confederation.

Canada was able to frustrate the USMNT in World Cup qualifying by turning the two games into tight, defensive affairs where the U.S. was unable to break down an organized Canadian block.

Sunday night in Las Vegas could not have been more different. It was an open affair and unlike in the teams’ previous two meetings, the USMNT was able to jump out to an early lead.

Chris Richards would get the opener just 12 minutes in and for the first time in a year, the U.S. managed to score from a set piece.

The service from Gio Reyna was key, and the Borussia Dortmund man continued an excellent first-half display by setting up Folarin Balogun for his much-awaited first USMNT goal.

Because this is Gio Reyna and the U.S. men’s national team, an adverse event almost inevitably followed his success. This time, it came in the form of a calf injury that forced him off at halftime and further depleted a midfield already missing Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie.

Without its midfield anchors, the USMNT struggled to contain the game in the second half as Canada created a number of quality chances and enjoyed a big advantage in possession.

But the USMNT never seemed truly troubled by Canada, whose search for a first trophy since 2000 continues. Part of that was due to a strong performance by the back line and part was Canada displaying a real lack of sharpness in the final third.

As the final whistle sounded, the USMNT celebrated its third straight regional trophy. There’s no reason to think that streak won’t continue.

[lawrence-related id=21882,21813,21806]