Canada’s Jonathan David, middle, battles for possession of the ball against the United States’ Brooklyn Raines (15) and Chris Richards, right, during the first half of an international friendly match on Tuesday in St. Paul, Minn.Abbie Parr/The Associated Press
A goal from Justin Ellis lifted the United States to a 1-0 decision over Canada’s men’s soccer team in a friendly match in St. Paul, Minn., on Tuesday.
The teenage forward picked up an ankle injury midway through the first half but stayed in the game and tucked in a shot in the 29th minute to give the Americans the lead.
Canada’s squad suffered a costly injury, too, with vice-captain Stephen Eustáquio leaving the game after playing the final minutes of the first half with a collarbone injury.
The result gave the U.S. four victories over the international window, following wins over Chile, Peru and Mexico.
Canada finished the window 2-1-0 with a 1-0 win over Chile in Toronto and a 2-0 decision over Peru in Montreal.
The Canadians return to action in November when they take on Guatemala in a two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final. Guatemala will host the first game on Nov. 13 before the series shifts to Toronto on Nov. 16.
Canada had chances early on Tuesday, including a pair from Jacob Shaffelburg in the 16th minute.
The Los Angeles FC winger fired a shot from distance, only to see U.S. keeper Brian Schwake punch the ball away.
Moments later, Shaffelburg collected a ball from Tani Oluwaseyi, raced in and unleashed another blast, this time from the side of the box, forcing Schwake to dive to make the save.
Richie Laryea (22) of Canada controls the ball during an international friendly match against the United States at Allianz Field on Tuesday in St Paul, Minn.Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
The American attack appeared to take a hit in the 20th minute when Ellis went down after colliding with Eustáquio on a challenge.
The 19-year-old Orlando City SC talent stayed down for several moments holding his right ankle before getting up with help and hobbling off the field. He returned to the game minutes later.
The U.S. got its first real chance of the night in the 29th minute when Alex Freeman fired off a shot from the corner of the six-yard box and Ellis darted in to put the ball in the back of the Canada net for a 1-0 lead.
There was more bad news for the Canadians 11 minutes later when Eustáquio fell to the turf hard following a challenge by Gio Reyna. The Swansea midfielder appeared to suffer an upper-body injury on the play, but temporarily stayed in the game.
Canada struggled through the final minutes of the first half, giving up multiple opportunities off of set plays, but managed to keep its deficit to a single goal heading into the locker rooms.
Head coach Jesse Marsch replaced Eustáquio with Mathieu Choinière at halftime, and Canada Soccer said on social media that Eustáquio was “unable to continue.”
Jonathan David took the captain’s armband for the second half.
The Canadians came within inches of equalizing in the 63rd minute when defender Luc de Fougerolles collected the ball off a free kick and unleashed a rocket. Schwake got his fingertips on it and sent the shot glancing off the bottom of the crossbar.
Substitute Promise David had a prime opportunity for Canada about 15 minutes later after Daniel Jebbison sent a cross into the big striker. David got his head on the ball but sent it just wide of the post.
The visitors continued to press through the final minutes but couldn’t finish any of their chances.
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