Canada vs USA U20: 2/26 CONCACAF U20

We better win.

That is all.

Canada will be more difficult than either Haiti or Costa Rica. They beat us, 2-1, at the Marbella Cup in October. Obviously, one game doesn't mean anything, but this Canadian team has confidence and talent. We were OK against Costa Rica. That won't be good enough on Tuesday.

And I know it didn't turn our way in the end, but at least we had this for bragging rights, if only for a week or two

US teams in the Klinsmann era have struggled against Canada, who have effectively played a defend deep and hit on the counter strategy. This is a very dangerous game for the US.

If the Canadian coach makes stupid lineup decisions again (like against Cuba) the U.S will take it with ease. If he actually plays the right lineup (like against Nic) it's a toss up who wins.

We play right into Canada's strengths since the revolution began.

Don't expect it to change from what I have seen.

If a wager with my brain, and not my heart, I do the same thing I did in Guatamala and Olympic qualifying.
Bet against the Yanks.

Unfortunately, would have made money both times.

Maybe Canada is overconfident and they come out super aggressive giving us space.

If they sit back, give us our typical possession that does nothing, and take their space when they get it, I really can't see us getting a result.

Once again, I hope to be proven wrong.

Our guys should beat the Canadians

Should and Did are two different words. We should do alot of things. That's why we play the games.

With the senior team, I completely agree with you. Canada will sit back and let us pass side to side all we want. However, with this group, they are virtually the polar opposite of our senior team. We have the ability to beat a bunker and score, however, we don't have the backbone that we've come to expect from our teams. Really don't see a Canadian bunker working as well against this team as it has in the past. If Canada's smart, they come out and try to pressure us much like Haiti did. In my opinion, we had the toughest group by far.

If they do we could get some real space when we break it which could give us some quality chances.

I just think it's safer to let us come, since we just can't break down a good defense, and use the space they get against this D.

We shall see soon enough.

Fair enough, it'll be interesting to see what Canada chooses to do, as both of our first two games were extremely different. With Haiti coming out and pressing, and Costa Rica choosing to sit back in more of a bunker. Tough match for sure.

Gotta say, after watching their game last night...I think I'd have preferred us to play Cuba instead of Canada. Not that we shouldn't be slight favorites, but if you held a gun to my head I'd choose Cuba.

I think Canada would be wise not to sit back, but to go at the U.S. I don't see a difference in skill level between the two teams. Sitting back would be a mistake for Canada. I'm hoping for a wide open game. Canada u20 team is much better than their u23 and senior teams so they dont have to play a bunkering style.

Not sure I see why Canada should be more difficult. After all, they're facing us because they lost to Cuba. And if we're going to look back at the Marbella results, let's remember that the US finished 2-1 there, and Canada 1-2. Our guys beat Scotland and Azerbaijan, while Canada lost to them both. So they're not a great team by any stretch.

Would I be shocked to see the US lose? No. But if the US fails to win, then it doesn't belong at the U20 World Cup.

I hope our boys remember to squeeze in a little extra PK practice this weekend.

Why do you guys always give so much respect to the other teams??

Reverse psychology.

They have had a pesky habit of beating our youth national teams recently in important games.

Too bad Jack Mac is too old for this competition because he'd help us kick the Canadians asses for sure.

That's the thing about soccer, the best team doesn't always win, and at this level we can't even be sure that we are the best team.

Let's assume for argument's sake that in a ten-game series v Canada we would beat them twice as often as they would beat us, with some draws thrown in - something like 4 wins, two losses, 4 draws, not so bad. But in a knockout round, draws go to PKs, which I will evenly divide (2/2). That leaves us advancing 6 of 10 ten times and being eliminated 4 of 10 times.

Similarly, if you think Mexico is three times as likely to win outright as Jamaica/Panama - 6 wins, 2 losses, 2 draws - splitting the draws still gives the underdog a 3 of 10 chance of advancing.

You would love to be a strong favorite but there are no guarantees in a one-game match, and my sense is we're closer to 50-50 than 60-40 to advance. Still, if all our guys, coaches included, give 100% effort, I like our chances.

Canada is not in the same class as CR. Canada lost to Cuba-how did they suddenly get so mighty?
But I will say this: if we can't beat Canada, we have no business in the WC.