Canada lost in a penalty shootout to the United States on Sunday night in the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup, a tournament bringing together the best nations in the CONCACAF zone.
Coach John Herdman’s men scored just twice in the penalty shootout, colliding with a very fit Matt Turner in front of the American net. It was Canadian Charles-Andreas Brym who nailed his own team’s coffin by shooting the crossbar on the final attempt.
Canada nevertheless put up a good fight against the Americans, notably tying it 1-1 in stoppage time when veteran Steven Vitoria hit the target on a penalty shot.
The Maple Leaf was even able to smell the victory for a short time, in overtime, after winger Jacob Shaffelburg scored a fine goal in the 109th minute to make it 2-1.
Unfortunately for the Canadians, the United States played luck a few minutes later to tie the game when a Gianluca Busio shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair bounced off defender Scott Kennedy and ended up deep in the net.
Brandon Vazquez scored the other goal for the United States, which will then face Panama in the semi-finals. The other semi-final will feature Jamaica and Mexico. Both games will take place next Wednesday.
Like the Americans, Canada did not count on its “A team” in this tournament in the absence of Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies, in particular.
