LOS ANGELES: Head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed optimism for the United States’ future as a football powerhouse after teen Justin Ellis scored the only goal against Canada on Tuesday to cap a flawless international window with four wins from four friendlies.

The 1-0 win lacked the dynamism, fluidity and multiple goals of wins against Mexico, Chile and Peru, but was another vindication for Pochettino’s policy of blooding fresh talent in the post-World Cup window.

Nineteen-year-old Ellis, who had scored on debut against Peru, bundled in an Alex Freeman strike midway through the first half, while Luc de Fougerolles came closest for Canada by hitting the crossbar after the break.

Across four games, seven of 12 US goals were scored by teenagers, with debuts for 13 new players as Pochettino eyes the future following a disappointing last-16 exit at this summer’s home World Cup.

“For sure, the future with these young talented players, plus the senior players that we have, I think we have a very good mix,” said Pochettino, describing a burgeoning US pool of youthful talent as “deep”.

“I hope we can guide this group of players to reach our best level, and compete in our best way, trying to be with the big national teams in the future.”

Pochettino had made six changes to his starting line-up. Ellis’s goal was the only US shot on target, with a high-pressing Canada spending most of the game on the front foot but unable to break through.

“It was a really difficult opponent… We made changes, we kept the level. I think we managed really well; we competed really well,” said Pochettino.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2026