USMNT player ratings vs Canada: Jesse Marsch has the last laugh as US disaster class underscores need for Mauricio Pochettino

KANSAS CITY — The U.S. men's national team is looking for answers and clarity, particularly regarding the vacant head coach position, after suffering a disappointing 2-1 loss to Canada in an international match on Saturday. It's a game the team and its fans will want to quickly forget and put behind them.

The United States Men's National Team is expected to announce a coach soon, with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly set to take over the team. This is also a good thing for the USMNT, as it means the world can forget the Americans' absolutely awful performance.

The one-goal loss is flattering and Canada made a clear statement with this result. Jesse Marsch's Canada showed a dominant performance and didn't let up from start to finish.

READ MORE: USMNT fans criticize team on social media after loss to Canada

It was a game of turnovers and individual errors for the USMNT, who buckled under Canada's constant pressure. Johnny Cardoso's error led to a goal by Jacob Shaffelburg in the 17th minute. It was a similar story for Tim Ream, whose turnovers in the second half allowed Jonathan David to make it 2-0. There were moments in between, too. It could have gotten out of control.

“We learned at the Copa that mentality is the most important thing. I mean, you can control that,” U.S. defender Chris Richards said in a broadcast interview with MAX. “I mean, when you're on the pitch, sometimes the ball doesn't go away. You never know. You can miss passes. But our mentality is non-negotiable. I think we lacked that a little bit in the first half today.”

Fortunately for the USA, that was not the case. They actually scored. Luca de la Torre came off the bench to score a consolation goal, but that was it. Canada had beaten the USMNT. De la Torre's goal did not change that. Interim US coach Mikey Varas blamed himself and his players after the loss.

“I think we were too static,” Varas said in his post-match press conference. “So the implementation of the ideas was not clear enough… On the other hand, the players know their mentality, I'm sorry, they know. They know we tell each other the truth. I love these guys, but they know this fight and run mentality. That's a sacrifice.”

He added: “Ultimately, it's a combination of, yes, me and then, I mean, all of us together.”

The USA now has to start all over again. Canada, however, has reason to be happy, and perhaps Marsch most of all. The American-born head coach has outdone his home country, but more importantly, he has proven what a difference he makes to the Canadian team.

Perhaps the USMNT will soon have their own coach to make a difference. Saturday showed that they need Pochettino as soon as possible. Until then, the team will look to get back on track when it travels to Cincinnati to host New Zealand.

“I don't think we were inferior today. I think maybe we were inferior in some aspects,” Richards said. “I think that's something we need to look at and do better. We know every game is an opportunity to get better.”

GOAL rates the USMNT players from Children's Mercy Park…