U.S. men's national team frozen out by Canada, 2-0, in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier

The 20-degree forecast, a narrow, stiff plastic turf and a suffocating press through the middle from Canada on Sunday were details the U.S. men’s national team could foresee.

What might have surprised the Americans in its CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier matchup was Canada’s clinical nature when opportunity knocked, given The Reds' two shots on goal leading to swift scores.

A shallow goal kick from U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner seven minutes into the match resulted in center forward Cyle Larin scoring his 23rd all-time goal for Canada, a new record. Then a Hail Mary clearance from The Reds’ own defensive third turned out to be the dagger from Sam Adekugbe in the 95th minute. Interestingly enough, the U.S. walked off the field believing it had done everything in superior but score.

"It's hard for me to remember a performance away from home this dominant without getting a result," U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter said. "So the result hurts, the performance doesn't hurt."

Despite a limited capacity, a raucous 12,000 fans at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada stifled the U.S., claiming a 2-0 win and bragging rights in a brewing rivalry while remaining atop the CONCACAF standings in World Cup Qualifying.

The USMNT (5-2-3, 18 points) ends the international window on Wednesday against Honduras at Allianz Stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. On the same day, Canada (6-0-4, 22 points) will travel to El Salvador on for its finale.

Here are a few observations from the match:

From October fill-in to dependable starter: the rise of the USMNT's Walker Zimmerman.

'Leader in the engine room': Why midfielder Kellyn Acosta is key to World Cup qualification.

USMNT's last match: Observations from a 1-0 win vs. El Salvador.

Berhalter: 'We were dominant'

The USMNT did create more chances: 9-6 in its favor. It out-passed Canada – connecting 80% on 438 passes, compared to Canada's 67% on 210 passes – while Canada won head-to-head duels, 70-69.

U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter cited those duels and the USMNT's defensive high press to prove his side dominated the match.

What's absent from the statistics is the USMNT's inability to build a direct attack. It passed horizontally, without urgency. Despite the USMNT outshooting Canada, 13-8, and owning 64% of possession, its best chance was a set piece – a Weston McKennie header from a Christian Pulisic corner kick in the 43rd minute.

"I don't think they dominated much of anything tonight to be honest," Berhalter said. "…one thing that separates Canada from all the other teams in (CONCACAF) is the quality of their strikers and their ability to finish a really small amount of chances."

No answer for striker void

Jesus Ferreira started last Thursday against El Salvador. On Sunday, it was Gyasi Zardes, an experienced and defensively superior player. But in front of goal, it didn't matter.

The USMNT were unable to directly set up Zardes, who had just 29 touches of the ball. Canada's Larin and Jonathan David had double that, combining for one goal and an assist.

"I don't think we got him enough service in the box to get him dangerous," Berhalter said.

Of the 13 goals the U.S. has scored in qualifying, three are credited to a center forward, which is Ricard Pepi. The 19-year-old FC Dallas product hasn't started since moving to Germany's FC Augsburg on Jan. 9. Berhalter wanted Zardes' physicality against Canada, adding game time in the Bundesliga will accelerate the process back into the U.S. starting lineup

USMNT injuries to monitor

Berhalter confirmed the CBS broadcast's report post-match that center back Walker Zimmerman (hamstring) was held out Sunday as a precaution. The Nashville SC defender is expected to be available against Honduras.

Against Canada, center back Chris Richards (foot) and captain midfielder Tyler Adams (hamstring strain) made abrupt exits. Berhalter told CBS the U.S. fears Richards broke his foot. Adams, however, will be evaluated in St. Paul.

For stories about Nashville SC or Soccer in Tennessee, contact Drake Hills at DHills@gannett.com. Follow Drake on Twitter at @LiveLifeDrake. Connect with Drake on Instagram at @drakehillssoccer and on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: USMNT loses to Canada 2-0 in World Cup Qualifier