Despite the 'friendly' designation for the USMNT-Canada match, there is much at stake for both sides
Not all friendlies are created equal. Most are experimental in nature, allowing coaches and players to try new things or make new statements. The purpose of a friendly match in international soccer is to look inward, learn things about your team, rather than beat down the opponent in front of you.
In some ways, Saturday's friendly against Canada falls into that category for the U.S. men's national team. It's a chance for players to prove themselves, for new systems to take hold.
Of course, in this case, it's also more than that. Much more.
Saturday's 4 p.m. match in Kansas City is one of the most storyline-driven friendlies in recen…