Defending champions U.S. beat Canada in CONCACAF Nations League final

[June 19, 2023]  (Reuters) - The United States beat Canada 2-0 on Sunday in Las Vegas to secure their second consecutive CONCACAF Nations League title.
 
First-half goals from Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun were enough to give the United States the victory in their first meeting with Canada in a tournament final.  

Jun 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; USA defender Chris Richards (4) heads the ball against Canada midfielder Ismael Kone (8) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Richards opened the scoring when he headed home a Gio Reyna corner in the 12th minute. Reyna was again the provider in the 34th minute when his through ball was dispatched by Balogun into the bottom corner.

The game was the last of long-time Canada captain Atiba Hutchinson's international career. The 40-year-old, who helped his nation reach the 2022 World Cup after a 36-year absence and is Canada's all-time caps leader with 104, came off the bench late in their semi-final win over Panama but did not feature on Sunday.

Mexico beat Panama 1-0 earlier on Sunday in the third-place match.

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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