The United States defeated Canada 3-2 on penalties in a Hollywood best-scenario finish in the Gold Cup quarterfinals on Sunday night at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
At 2-2 after 120 minutes of play, the first two Canadian shooters missed the chance to put Canada on the board, giving the Americans the advantage. Former CF Montreal Kamal Miller and striker Jacen Russell-Rowe then allowed Canada to believe it, but Cade Cowell, Gianluca Busio and Jesus Fereira all scored while no other Canadian could find the back of the net from Matt Turner. It ended on a Charles-Andreas Brym post.
The United States, defending champions, make an appointment with Panama in the semi-finals.
“He (Turner) offered the last words of encouragement before getting on the field, to encourage the players to stay calm and focused on what we practiced,” said interim coach BJ Callahan.
“I trusted my instincts, and usually when I do that, I’m a lot more successful,” Turner revealed.
Jacob Shaffelburg thought he had delivered the nation with a crucial left-footed goal in the 109th minute to give Canada a 2-1 lead in extra time.
With their backs to the wall at 1-0 for the United States, the Canadians forced extra time thanks to a 93rd-minute goal from Steven Vitoria that allowed Canada to tie the game. In turn in a more than delicate situation, the United States forced the penalty shootout thanks to an own goal from Canadian defender Scott Kennedy in the 114th minute.
After a quiet first half, USA got their first good scoring chance in the 68th minute, but Dayne St. Clair got up. The Canadian goalkeeper made a brilliant save in front of a point-blank shot from Gianluca Busio.
By dint of threatening, the Americans ended up finding the back of the net. Brandon Vazquez opened the scoring late in the Americans’ camp with a nice play in the 88th minute.
Vasquez redirected DeJuan Jones’ cross perfectly into the St. Clair goalkeeper’s net to create euphoria in the stadium.
The United States seemed to be heading easily for a 1-0 win when disaster struck on the American side. After a video review, Canada were awarded a penalty after a handball by defender Miles Robinson in stoppage time.
Canadian head coach John Herdman decided to assign defenseman Steven Vitória for this all-important shot. Vitória proved his coach right by placing the ball in the back of the net to force extra time.
“Turner is a force in goal for USA,” Herdman said of Turner. He has fantastic feet. His game management is very good and he is good at blocking penalties. »
2023-07-10 02:12:00
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