Whether the US had not lost to Canada in 34 years or one year is largely irrelevant. These two programs have nothing to do with an international friendly played ten years ago, and even less to do with a draw at the Miami Cup in 1986. This is where much of the post-match coverage lost its way – distracted by the glossy veneer of a ‘good statistic’, and in so doing, failed to analyze the two rosters, the previous performances, and the shifting regional soccer landscape.

Relative to other North American programs Canada has a good squad, and one with much of the same foundations as the USMNT. For instance, Forty-percent of the Canadian squad plies their trade in MLS. For the US, that number is sixty-five-percent. Both squads have promising youngsters playing in the Bundesliga, and both squads have players featuring in the EPL Championship – these two programs are more similar than ever before.

The equitability between these two sides should deliver an entertaining match on Friday night. Canada is likely to pack the centre of the park once again – utilizing the box midfield Herdman preferred in the reverse fixture. Mark Anthony Kaye seems to have recovered from the injury that took him out early in the clash in Toronto, and therefore, in all likelihood, will slot back in alongside Samuel Piette at the base of midfield, while Jonathan Osorio and Scott Arfield reprise their partnership further up the pitch.