Maiden international goals from Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun took the United States to a 2-0 victory over Canada as the North American team took their second straight CONCACAF Nations League title on Sunday, June 18. Both goals were assisted by
Bayern Munich defender Chris Richards scored from a corner in the 12th minute, before Arsenal forward Balogun, who debuted in Thursday's 3-0 win over Mexico in the semifinal, doubled the lead in the 34th.
The Americans were led by interim coach BJ Callaghan, who took over on May 30 and also lead them during the CONCACAF Gold Cup starting next weekend. Gregg Berhalter, brought back as coach Friday 5 1/2 months after his contract was allowed to expire, won't be on the sidelines until September exhibitions.
It was a brilliant win for the US, who extended their unbeaten home streak against Canada to 22 games dating back to 1957. Meanwhile, Canada are now without a title since the Gold Cup 2000.
Reyna inspired both goals, then left at halftime with a calf injury and was replaced by Luca de a Torre. Reyna's lack of hustle in training at the World Cup and his family's angry response created the controversy that led to Berhalter's January departure.
Reyna's corner kick found an unmarked Richards, who bounced a header from 7 yards to the left of goalkeeper Milan Borjan for his first goal in 10 international appearances. The Americans had not scored from a corner kick since Jordan Morris' goal at El Salvador on June 14 last year after Weston McKennie's initial effort was saved and de La Torre crossed to Morris.
Reyna fed Balogun for the second goal. The forward held off Scott Kennedy with his right arm to slot past Borjan.
Callaghan made three changes from Thursday, inserting central defender Walker Zimmerman for Miles Robinson and midfielder Brendon Aaronson and right back Joe Scally for Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest, both suspended after getting red cards against El Tri.
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