Matt Turner’s penalty-shootout heroics see the USA clinch thrilling win against Canada as the Arsenal goalkeeper saves TWO spotkicks to set up Gold Cup semifinal matchup with Panama
The United States National team booked its spot to the semifinals of the Gold Cup with a thrilling penalty-shootout win over Canada Sunday.
Matt Turner came to the United States’ rescue with two penalty-kick shootout saves after his team rallied in extra-time against the Canadians.
The US won the shootout 3-2 with it decided in the top of the fifth round when the shot by Canada’s Charles-Andreas Brym hit the crossbar.
Cade Cowell, Gianluca Busio and Jesus Ferreira scored in the shootout for the Americans after the game was tied 1-1 after regulation and 2-2 following 30 minutes of extra time.
Wednesday, the US plays Panama in San Diego while Mexico and Jamaica meet in the other semifinal in Las Vegas.
USA booked its spot to the semifinals of the Gold Cup in a penalty shootout against Canada
Matt Turner came to the United States’ rescue with two penalty-kick shootout saves
The US is trying to tie Mexico with an eighth Gold Cup championship in 17 tries. Canada is the only other country to win it (2000).
Brandon Vasquez looked to have clinched the crucial winner for the USA as he finally broke the deadlock with a late 88th minute goal.
Vazquez, who tied Jamaica 1-1 in the 88th minute in the tourney opener, got his head on a 30-yard ball by DeJuan Jones for his third goal in seven matches.
But the drama wasn’t over there. Referee Marco Ortiz headed over to his field-side monitor for a second time on the night in stoppage time and handed Canada a lifeline after calling US defender Miles Robinson for handball.
Steven Vitoria stepped up to the spot and clawed Canada back into it at the death, tying the game in the third minute of stoppage time.
Canada took a 2-1 advantage through Jacob Shaffelburg’s sensational 109th-minute strike but just five minutes later, deep into extra time, Scott Kennedy sent the game to penalties with an own goal.
Dayne St. Clair made a kick save on a Busio shot but the rebound went off the Canadian defender.
Arsenal goalkeeper Turner became the USA’s shootout hero as he saved not one, but two of Canada’s spotkicks to send the Stars and Stripes through to the semifinal.
Steven Vitoria clawed Canada back into it with a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time
Canadian defender Scott Kennedy sent the game to penalties with an own goal
Late in the first half, a Canadian corner kick went to review for another possible handball on Robinson. The replay appeared to show it was a penalty but referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava saw Busio pushed to the ground by a Canadian player before the handball and ruled it a foul, negating a possible PK.
The border countries last met June 18 in Las Vegas when the US won the Nations League final 2-0.
More to follow.
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