Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun Goals Secures USA’s Second Straight Concacaf Nations League Title

The United States won its second consecutive Concacaf Nations League title on Sunday night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, thanks to goals from Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun.

Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun became the first and second players in U.S. Soccer history to score their first career U.S. goals in a final.

MF Gio Reyna contributed an assist on both goals. Reyna has been involved in four of the five U.S. goals in two CNL Finals, with one goal and three assists.

After a screaming volley from Walker Zimmerman went wide, the United States broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when Zimmerman’s center-back partner, Richards, took a corner kick swung in by Reyna and squeezed a header past Canada GK Milan Borjan for a 1-0 lead.

Canada attempted to respond with speed down the flanks, but the US defense remained alert, allowing their attack to strike another big blow later in the 34th minute, as Reyna slipped in a pass to Balogun, who hammered home a right-footed shot to double the margin to 2-0.

Canada remained unfazed and pressed forward, forcing US goalkeeper Matt Turner to make a couple of diving saves, including one on a stinging effort from Richie Laryea in the 38th minute.

Another chance for the US to extend their lead came near the end of the half when a Timothy Weah right-footed shot required a fingertip save from Borjan.

The US kept the pressure on in the second half, coming agonizingly close to a third goal in quick succession when a Richards header glanced off the crossbar, followed by a Balogun point-blank shot blocked by Canada DF Scott Kennedy.

Canada was equally involved on the other end, thanks to the dynamic play of left winger Alphonso Davies, who made life difficult for Turner and the US defense.

As the clock approached the final ten minutes, Canada made one last charge to pull a goal back, but the US defense held firm until the final whistle to secure their second CNL title.

Who won top honors in Concacaf Nations League?

The 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League is complete after the United States defeated Canada 2-0 in the 2023 CNL Finals on Sunday night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

There were many outstanding performances throughout the CNL in Leagues A, B, and C, including the following players who earned individual honors.

The tournament’s top performer, Christian Pulisic of the United States, has won the Best Player Award. Pulisic scored two goals to lead the United States to a 3-0 semifinal victory over long-time rival Mexico last Thursday, before playing a vital role in the United States’ attack in Sunday’s Final triumph.

Matt Turner of the United States has been named Best Goalkeeper. Turner kept a clean sheet in each of the US victories in Las Vegas, including a three-save performance in the Final.

Gerwin Lake of Sint Maarten received the Qatar Airways Top Scorer Award after scoring eight goals in six League C matches, assisting Sint Maarten to a first-ever berth in the Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims and promotion to League B.

Panama receives the Fair Play Award for their outstanding performance on the field.