The United States retain its CONCACAF Nations League crown

• The United States of America retained its CONCACAF Nations League crown after securing a 2-0 victory over Canada on Sunday
• The US have won both of the Nations League tournaments held in the CONCACAF region and will now look to for a regional double in the Gold Cup

The United States of America retained its CONCACAF Nations League crown after securing a 2-0 victory over Canada on Sunday.

First half goals from Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun were all the United States needed to reaffirm king of CONCACAF mantle. The US have won both of the Nations League tournaments held in the CONCACAF region and will now look to for a regional double in the Gold Cup, which starts in a week’s time.

The United States clinched the CONCACAF Nations League with a 2-0 victory over Canada. Photo/ Las Vegas Review – Journal.

Canada remain without a trophy in 23 years despite doing what it could to get back in the game in the second half.

Mexico claimed a third place finish in the tournament after beating Panama 1-0. The only goal of the match was scored by Jesus Gallardo in the fourth minute.

How The United States Beat Canada

Aiming to retain its CONCACAF title, the United States got off to a fast start in Allegiant Stadium in ‘Sin City’. 30-year-old Walker Zimmerman came close to opening the scoring with a powerful volley from outside the box but his shot went wide.

The defending champions continued to pile the pressure on their opponents and eventually found the opening goal after twelve minutes of play. It was Chris Richards who nodded in Giovanni Reyna’s corner kick to score his first international goal.

The United States continued to press Canada and found the goal they needed for security in the 34th minute. Borussia Dortmund‘s Reyna was the creator once again as he drove towards Canada’s box before setting up Folarin Balogun.

The 21-year-old Arsenal forward, who spent last season on loan at Reims, fired in at the near post to score his first-ever senior international goal. Balogun, who represented England’s Under-21 team, switched to the US in May and made his debut on Sunday in a 3-0 win over Mexico.

Balogun was excited with his side winning the tournament and already feels he is part of the US team.

“I’m just over the moon we were able to win tonight. It’s going to take time to build relationships with my team-mates. I’m just delighted that (the goal) helped us to win this game. I’ve only been here a short time, but I feel like I’m part of something big And it’s a great feeling.” beIN SPORTS quotes Folarin Balogun.

Folarin Balogun. Photo/ ESPN UK.

Trailing 2-0, Canada needed a much-improved performance in the second half if they were to turn this game around. John Herdman’s side received a boost after Reyna failed to return in the second 45 minutes due to injury. However, they still found it difficult as Christian Pulisic took on the onus of leading his side.

USA eventually succeeded in defending their title with Canada failing to score even a single goal throughout the match. Canada were competing in their first CONCACAF final in 23 years and their lack of experience showed on the big stage.