The U.S. Men’s National Team closed out its September-October window unbeaten but were pushed to the brink by CONCACAF rivals Canada.Justin Ellis’ first-half goal was all Mauricio Pochettino’s squad needed to claim a 1-0 victory at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. Goalkeeper Brian Schwake registered a three-save clean sheet in his first start while Cole Campbell became the 13th USMNT player this window to make their senior debut. The result marked the Americans’ fourth-straight win this fall since their involvement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.A back-and-forth first half eventually saw the USMNT strike first with Ellis netting his second goal of the window. Alex Freeman found some space on the right wing and raced upfield before drilling a right-footed shot that Ellis redirected into the back of the net. It was a bounce-back moment for Ellis, who was injured earlier in the half following a collision with Canada midfielder Stephen Eustaquio.The @OrlandoCitySC connection in full flow. FREEMAN TO ELLIS TO PUT US IN FRONT!#USMNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/rlULMkHemx— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) October 7, 2026Canada upped its pressure in the second half and came close to tying things up after the hour mark. Luc De Fougerolles flicked on a Mathieu Choiniere free kick towards the net but watched Brian Schwake punch his effort off the crossbar and away from danger. Julian Hall sought out his fourth-straight goal on international duty and almost iced the match in the process however watched his venomous half-volley hit the side netting. Fellow substitute Promise David glanced a header attempt past Schwake’s goal, summing up Canada’s finishing on the night. The USMNT would hang on for a second-consecutive shutout win, completing their first four-match winning streak since November 2024-January 2025. The aforementioned Campbell was one of eight substitutions made by Pochettino on the night, with Adri Mehmeti, Neil Pierre, and Tyler Adams also earning minutes. Antonee Robinson, Sebastian Berhalter, and Sergino Dest rounded out the 21 players to feature on the night. The USMNT will return to action this November against Haiti in a two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal series.