Justin Ellis Overcomes Injury Scare to Score Game-Winner for USMNT

Justin Ellis scored the decisive goal in the U.S. Men's National Team's 1-0 victory over Canada on Tuesday night, just moments after an apparent injury scare. The 19-year-old striker, who has become a significant young player for the USMNT, was able to overcome a first-half challenge that left him briefly sidelined.

Ellis went down in the 20th minute of the match at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, following a collision with Canada's Stephen Eustáquio. He was attended to by medical staff on the pitch and was visibly limping after re-entering the game. Despite the discomfort, Ellis found the back of the net in the 29th minute, assisted by Alex Freeman, to secure the win for the United States. It marked his second goal of the international window.

"We need to assess him," head coach Mauricio Pochettino said on the TNT broadcast at halftime, referencing the challenge. "He received a big knock in his leg, but I hope it’s not a big issue." Ellis was substituted at halftime, though he was still recognized as the Man of the Match.

Ellis's goal came after he checked back into the game in the 23rd minute. The young forward was part of a group of players earning their first senior national team call-ups during this September/October window. His first goal for the USMNT was scored on September 26 in a win against Peru.