USA vs Canada needed an extra-time own goal by USA to send the game to a penalty shootout against Canada.
The United States advanced by the skin of their teeth by winning a 3-2 penalty shootout over Canada after the match was level 2-2 after the end of extra time Sunday in Cincinnati. Matt Turner made two saves in the shootout to continue his dominance in penalty scenarios for the USMNT. Next up is Panama in the semi-final in San Diego on Wednesday. The team struggled out of the gate as individual mistakes gifted Canada opportunities, but the introduction of Brandon Vazquez and Matt Miazga in the 73rd minute helped change the tide for the USMNT. Vazquez thought that he had the winner in the 88th minute after a pinpoint assist from DeJuan Jones was put on a platter for him to head it past Dayne St. Clair but again, mistakes hurt the USMNT. Miles Robinson punched a ball in the box to give Canada a penalty that Steven Vitoria drove down the middle to bring things level. Canada would strike first in extra time via Jacob Shaffelburg scoring a goal via a brilliant individual effort. Picking up the ball from midfield, he had the confidence to blow past Jesus Ferreira and Miazga to score. But the United States persevered and found their extra-time equalizer to force penalty kicks in the 114th minute. This one came via an own goal from Scott Kennedy but it was a team effort to force it. It started with Turner playing the ball into the box from midfield to a Miazga header and it finished with a Gianluca Busio shot to force a save from St. Clair. St. Clair’s clearance, which went off of Kennedy’s back to lead to the own goal. Turner took charge in the shootout by showing that even when the USMNT struggle during a match, they still have enough quality to pull out results when needed. With only 72 hours until they face Panama in the semi-finals of the Gold Cup, interim coach B.J. Callaghan will need to evaluate who can play that quickly. Jesus Ferreira just played 120 minutes after starting all of the group stage matches and Miles Robinson was only cleared to play 90 minutes so he had to be withdrawn ahead of stoppage time. With Jalen Neal showing his age with some poor clearances and decisions during the match changes could happen to the back line. The wings also didn’t shine against Canada. Alejandro Zendejas has yet to make his mark with Cowell’s direct nature pushing the team forward when he comes on. Julian Gressel’s chance creation from open play wasn’t as good as his set-play delivery. With Cristian Roldan and Jordan Morris both available, Callaghan will have choices as Panama’s midfield can cause similar issues that the Canucks gave the USMNT.
In a nail-biting encounter on Sunday in Cincinnati, the United States narrowly secured a spot in the next round with a 3-2 victory in a penalty shootout against Canada. The match ended in a 2-2 draw after extra time, leading to a tense shootout. Matt Turner once again showcased his penalty-saving prowess, making two crucial saves to ensure the USMNT’s triumph. The team’s next challenge awaits them in the semi-finals against Panama, which will take place in San Diego on Wednesday.
The USMNT had a rocky start as a series of individual errors presented Canada with opportunities. However, the introduction of Brandon Vazquez and Matt Miazga in the 73rd minute proved to be a turning point for the American side. In the 88th minute, Vazquez appeared to have secured the winning goal with a well-placed header, courtesy of a precise assist from DeJuan Jones. Unfortunately, more mistakes plagued the USMNT as Miles Robinson inadvertently handled the ball in the box, resulting in a penalty for Canada. Steven Vitoria confidently dispatched the penalty, leveling the score. In extra time, Jacob Shaffelburg displayed exceptional individual skill, eluding Jesus Ferreira and Miazga to score and put Canada ahead. However, the United States demonstrated resilience and managed to find an equalizer in the 114th minute, courtesy of an own goal from Scott Kennedy. Turner initiated the play, launching the ball into the box from midfield, where Miazga headed it, ultimately leading to Gianluca Busio’s shot, which forced a save from Dayne St. Clair. Unfortunately for Canada, St. Clair’s clearance struck Kennedy’s back, resulting in the own goal.
Turner’s commanding performance in the shootout highlighted the USMNT’s ability to secure results even when faced with adversity during a match. As the team prepares to face Panama in the Gold Cup semi-finals, interim coach B.J. Callaghan faces the challenge of assessing the players’ fitness for the quick turnaround. Jesus Ferreira, who played the entire 120 minutes and started all the group stage matches, will need to be evaluated. Additionally, Miles Robinson, who was only cleared to play 90 minutes, had to be substituted before stoppage time. Given Jalen Neal’s questionable clearances and decisions during the match, changes to the defensive line could be considered.
The wing players also struggled to make a significant impact against Canada. Alejandro Zendejas has yet to leave his mark, while Cowell’s direct approach provided a boost to the team’s attack when he was on the field. Julian Gressel’s chance creation from open play did not match his effectiveness in set-piece deliveries. With the availability of Cristian Roldan and Jordan Morris, Callaghan will have options at his disposal to counter Panama’s midfield, which poses similar challenges to those posed by the Canadian team.
The United States narrowly secured a spot in the next round with a hard-fought 3-2 victory on penalties against Canada in Cincinnati. The match ended in a 2-2 draw after extra time, setting the stage for a tense shootout. Matt Turner, the standout goalkeeper for the USMNT, made two crucial saves during the shootout, further solidifying his reputation as a penalty specialist. Looking ahead, the team now gears up to face Panama in the semi-finals, which will take place in San Diego on Wednesday.
The American side faced early challenges as individual errors presented Canada with scoring opportunities. However, the 73rd-minute substitutions of Brandon Vazquez and Matt Miazga proved instrumental in shifting the momentum in favor of the USMNT. In the 88th minute, Vazquez appeared to have secured the winning goal, capitalizing on a precise assist from DeJuan Jones. Unfortunately, the USMNT’s vulnerability to mistakes surfaced again, denying them the victory. Miles Robinson inadvertently handled the ball in the box, resulting in a penalty for Canada, duly converted by Steven Vitoria to level the score. In extra time, Jacob Shaffelburg showcased his individual brilliance by eluding Jesus Ferreira and Miazga to net a goal, handing Canada the lead. However, the United States refused to be defeated and managed to find an equalizer in the 114th minute, courtesy of an own goal by Scott Kennedy, assisted by a collective effort. Turner initiated the play, delivering a long ball from midfield that was headed by Miazga, ultimately leading to Gianluca Busio’s shot, which forced a save from St. Clair. Kennedy’s attempted clearance inadvertently resulted in the own goal.
Turner’s standout performance during the penalty shootout underscored the USMNT’s ability to rally and secure positive outcomes, even when faced with adversity. As the team now prepares for their semi-final clash against Panama in the Gold Cup, interim coach B.J. Callaghan faces the challenge of evaluating the fitness and readiness of his players, given the short turnaround time of only 72 hours. Jesus Ferreira, who played the full 120 minutes after starting in all the group stage matches, and Miles Robinson, who was restricted to 90 minutes due to clearance concerns, will require careful assessment. Robinson, in fact, had to be substituted just before stoppage time. Considering Jalen Neal’s display of inexperience, evident in some poor clearances and decision-making during the match, changes in the defensive line could be on the horizon.
The wing players also failed to make a significant impact against Canada. Alejandro Zendejas has yet to leave his mark, while Cade Cowell’s direct style of play has proven effective when he comes off the bench. Julian Gressel’s ability to create chances from open play did not match his effectiveness in set-piece deliveries. With Cristian Roldan and Jordan Morris both available, Callaghan will have options to address the midfield challenges that Panama is likely to present, similar to what the Canadians posed for the USMNT.
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