How Team USA is inspiring the nation with their faith
Former pro soccer player and Seattle Sounders chaplain Jesse Bradley discusses the U.S. Men’s National Team’s historic start at the 2026 World Cup, winning its first two group stage matches since 1930. Bradley emphasizes the team’s inspiring public faith, leading to Bible studies and prayer after games, and how it unites Americans through soccer, a sport now surging in popularity.
The latest clash between the United States and Canada in sports has led to another victory for the Stars and Stripes.
It may have only been an international friendly for the U.S. men’s national soccer team, but victory was had against their rival north of the border during the match in St. Paul, Minnesota on Tuesday night.
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The USMNT defeated Canada, 1-0, to complete their international break undefeated in their first stretch since a tough Round of 16 loss to Belgium in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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United States’ Justin Ellis scores a goal during the first half of an international friendly soccer match against Canada on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. (Abbie Parr)
There was no Christian Pulisic on the pitch for the U.S., as he continues to rehab from the bone bruise and microfracture he suffered in that loss to Belgium on home soil during the World Cup. But others stepped up to get the job done against a tough Canadian group that made it out of their Group B and into the knockout stages this summer.
It was Justin Ellis, a 19-year-old from Florida who stars for Orlando City SC in Major League Soccer, who scored the lone goal for the USMNT.
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Ellis was called up to the U.S. senior team by manager Mauricio Pochettino for friendlies against Peru, Chile, and Mexico prior to this meeting with Canada. He was among those called up to get the international experience, but he was notable considering Uruguay head coach Diego Forlán visited him the week prior. Ellis is eligible to also represent Uruguay on the international stage through his mother.
Canada’s Jonathan David battles for possession against United States’ Brooklyn Raines and Chris Richards during the first half of an international friendly soccer match Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. (Abbie Parr)
But the youngster seemed to fit in naturally for the U.S., as he drilled home a cross from World Cup standout Alex Freeman in the 29th minute of the match against Canada. It marked Ellis’ second goal during these friendlies, as he scored in his debut match against Peru on a free kick.
Ellis has been described as a complete striker and could be a name not to forget as the USMNT eyes some revenge in the 2030 World Cup.
But before taking down Canada, the U.S. handled their friendly opponents in dominant fashion. They defeated Peru, 4-1, followed by wins over Chile, 4-2, and Mexico, 3-0. These players will head back to their respective clubs across the globe feeling good about the development that continues under Pochettino.
United States’ Justin Ellis scores a goal during the first half of an international friendly soccer match against Canada on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. (Abbie Parr)
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And the U.S. can say they took down Canada in yet another sport this year. Of course, the Winter Olympics gold medals in both men’s and women’s ice hockey are the highlights, but the U.S. also took down Canada, 5-3, in the group stage of the World Baseball Classic just a month after winning gold.
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