The United States defeated Canada 2-0 in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League in Las Vegas last night. Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun scored their first international goals in the 12th and 34th minutes, assisted by Gio Reyna, who left the game injured at halftime.
Richards put the U.S. team ahead with a header from a corner taken by Reyna. Balogun, who switched his allegiance to the U.S. in May instead of representing England or Nigeria, doubled the score after receiving a pass from Reyna and maneuvering past defender Scott Kennedy before shooting into the net.
Balogun scored 22 goals in 39 matches in all competitions with Reims in France last season, the highest total for an American player in the top five European leagues. The United States secured the title under interim coach P.J. Calhoun, who will continue in the role at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where the U.S. defends its title starting July 16.
Gregg Berhalter returned to lead the U.S. team on Friday but will resume his duties after the Gold Cup, following his role in guiding the team to the Round of 16 at last year's World Cup in Qatar.
