On Friday the United States Men’s National Team will be taking on their rivals from the north, Canada at the StubHub Center. This is the last match for both teams prior to them returning to 2018 World Cup qualifiying in March.

USMNT-Canada History

These two nations first faced each other on a soccer pitch exactly 20 years after the American Civil War. The Canadians left that day with a 1-0 victory on Nov 28th, 1885. Since that match the USMNT and the CMNT have played 34 more times. The Americans have the advantage (W-D-L) with a 15-10-9 record.

In fact, the last time the Canucks beat the United States was on the 100-year anniversary that the two national teams faced each other for the first time. Les Rouges beat the USMNT 2-0 at BC Place on April second 1985. Since that match the Yanks have won nine games and tied seven of them. They have also outscored Canada 23 to four and have shut them out 13 times.

However, in the last two matches the Canucks have been getting closer to ending the losing streak. The last two games have ended in scoreless draws, Canadian Head Coach Benito Floro will be looking to end that streak, as he prepares to face the U.S. for the first time as the coach of Canada.

2015 Was Good To Canada

The year 2015 was a good one for Floro and the Canadian national team. The Canucks played 12 games in the calendar year and they finished with a 6-5-1 record.

They outscored their opponents 16 to three and finished nine matches shutting out the other country. Their one defeat came in the 2015 Gold Cup against Jamaica on July the 11th. Canada barely lost to the Reggae Boyz by a score of 1-0 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The Spanish native has also got the Canadians of to a flying start in the fourth round of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers (WCQ). Les Rouges currently sit in second place of group A with four points after two games.

They started the round by defeating Honduras 1-0 on November 13th at BC Place. The Canadians then traveled to El Salvador and earned a hard road point.

Canada have four more games left in the fourth round. If the Canadians are able to finish in the top two of the group, then the will qualify for the fifth round (Or also knows as the Hex.) of qualifications for the first time since the 1998 World Cup Qualifiers.

Since Canada failed to qualify to the Copa America Centenario this June, their main task is simple earn their place in the Hex.

Last Tune Up Before Canada Faces Mexico

This friendly against the Yanks is their only tune up match till their next two qualifier matches in March against Mexico. This game for Floro represents a perfect opportunity to see who he wants to bring for the WCQ’s in March. Plus, it would be a great way for the Canucks to start 2016 by defeating the United States and ending a 31-year streak in the process.

The way how that happens is through midfielders Julian de Guzman and Will Johnson holding down the midfield. They cannot allow USMNT midfielders Michael Bradley, Lee Nguyen and Darlington Nagbe to build any momentum in the game.

Also the three strikers for the Canucks will need to take advantage that the defense they will be facing is inexperienced. With Brad Evans and Michael Orozco sent back to their clubs, the next veteran on the Yanks defense is Matt Besler with 30 caps.

After Besler, the next six defenders have a combined three caps. For Cyle Larin, Caleb Clarke and Tesho Akindele this match can be an opportunity to increase their goal scoring tally for the national team.

For U.S. head coach Jürgen Klinsmann this is a chance to build on their 3-2 comeback victory they enjoyed against Iceland on Sunday at the StubHub Center.

The road to victory for the Americans on Friday is through Jozy Altidore and whoever Klinsmann starts next to him. Whether it is Gyasi Zardes, Jerome Kiesewetter or Jordan Morris they need to convert on their chances.

Against Iceland, the U.S. created 16 shots and only placed four of them on target. If the United States bombards the goalie then they might be able to expose their inexperience, which will result in a land slide victory for the U.S. Since all three of the goalkeepers for Canada on the current roster have yet to represent their country on the senior level.

Prediction: United States 3, Canada 1