Justin Ellis scored the only goal as the United States beat Canada 1-0 to make it four wins from four since the World Cup.

The Orlando City teenager turned in an Alex Freeman delivery just before the half-hour mark in Tuesday's friendly in Minnesota.

Canada had more efforts than their cross-border rivals in what was a feisty affair, but Jesse Marsch's side fell to a first defeat in three.

USA had already beaten Peru, Chile and Mexico in this extended international break, with Mauricio Pochettino again experimenting with his side.

After an uneventful start it was Ellis, who also opened the scoring in the win over Peru, who managed to find a breakthrough on 29 minutes.

Having shaken off an earlier injury that required treatment, Ellis was perfectly positioned to get on the end of a blasted drive from Freeman.

Stephen Eustaquio called full debutant Brian Schwake into action and Luc De Fougerolles saw an angled volley hit the crossbar as Canada pushed for a leveller.

Second-half substitute Julian Hall then fired into the side-netting when played through on goal, but USA – who kept rising star Cavan Sullivan on the bench – saw out a scrappy win at Allianz Field.

Ellis leads way for experimental USA

Pochettino has used this first international window post-World Cup to have a look at plenty of players on the USA's roster.

That included a first start here for Borussia Dortmund teenager Mathis Albert, as well as goalkeeper Schwake as part of six changes.

Ellis was also recalled and has certainly enhanced his reputation this window with two goals in three games, continuing his fine form from club level.

Pochettino will be delighted with USA's results over the past three weeks, but this game will not live long in the memory.

The 43 combined fouls committed tells its own story, with both teams happy to get stuck in but lacking when it came to any real moments of quality.