USMNT player ratings vs Canada: Jesse Marsch has the last laugh as US disaster squad highlights need for Mauricio Pochettino

KANSAS CITY — The United States men’s national team will be looking for answers and clarity, particularly regarding its still-unfilled head coaching position, after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Canada in an international friendly on Saturday. It’s a game the team, and its fans, will want to quickly forget and move on from.

The U.S. men’s national team is expected to announce a coach soon, with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly joining the team. It’s also good for the USMNT, as it means the world can forget about an absolutely terrible performance from the Americans.

The one-goal defeat is flattering and Canada made a statement in this result. This was a dominant performance from Jesse Marsch’s Canada who did not give up from start to finish.

READ MORE: USMNT fans criticize team on social media after loss to Canada

It was a game of giveaways and individual mistakes for the USMNT, who completely buckled under Canada’s relentless pressure. Johnny Cardoso’s mistake led to a goal from Jacob Shaffelburg 17 minutes into the game. The same goes for Tim Ream, whose giveaways in the second half allowed Jonathan David to make it 2-0. There were also moments in between. This could have gotten out of hand.

“We learned in Copa that mentality is the most important thing. I mean, you can control it,” American defender Chris Richards told MAX in an interview. “I mean, when you’re on the pitch, sometimes the ball can’t go. You never know. You can miss passes. But a non-negotiable point is our mentality. I think we lacked a little bit of that today in the first half.”

Fortunately for the U.S., that didn’t happen. In fact, they got one back. Luca de la Torre came off the bench to score a consolation goal, but that was it. Canada had defeated the USMNT. De la Torre’s goal wouldn’t change that. U.S. interim head coach Mikey Varas held himself and his players accountable after the loss.

“I think we were too static,” Varas said in his post-match press conference. “So, you know, the translation of the ideas was not clear enough… You know, on the other hand, the mentality of the players, sorry, they know. They know, you know, we speak the truth to each other. I love those guys, but they know that mentality of fighting and running. It’s a sacrifice.”

He added: “Ultimately it’s a combination of, yeah, me and then, I mean, all of us together.”

The U.S. is now going back to the drawing board. Canada, meanwhile, will be celebrating, Marsch perhaps more than anyone. The American-born head coach has outdone his home country, but more importantly, he has proven what a difference he makes to this Canadian team.

The USMNT may soon have their own game-changing coach. Saturday showed that they need Pochettino as soon as possible. Until then, the team will try to get back on track as they travel to Cincinnati to host New Zealand.

“I don’t think we were outclassed today. I think we were maybe outclassed in some areas,” Richards said. “So I think that’s something we’ve got to look at and do better. We know every game is an opportunity to get better.”

GOAL rates the USMNT players from Children’s Mercy Park…