US join Jamaica in Gold Cup semi-finals
US the United States beat Canada 3-2 on penalties after the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals ended 2-2 after extra time in Cincinnati on Sunday. The United States will play Panama in the semifinals in Las Vegas on Wednesday, while the other tie pits Jamaica against Mexico.
The Reggae Boyz defeated a determined Guatemala 1-0 to advance to the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals on Sunday thanks to Amari’i Bell’s 51st-minute goal. In the 88th minute, the weak contest between the Americans, who are the favorites of the tournament, and the Canadian team led by John Herdman came to life.
American substitute Brandon Vazquez, playing at home to FC Cincinnati, rose superbly to head De Juan Jones’ deep cross from the left. Time when, after a VAR review, the referee pointed to the penalty spot and Steven Vitoria kept his cool to score.
The Canadians, who hadn’t won against the USA since 1957, then took the lead in the first third of overtime with Jacob Shaffelburg’s brilliant solo goal. The left winger, who plays for Nashville in Major League Soccer, picked up the ball in midfield, ran away from Jesus Ferreira before unleashing a left-footed shot that sent Matt Miazga into the far corner.
But the U.S. found a way to force the game to penalties with a lucky goal six minutes into the second overtime. Goalkeeper Matt Turner’s long ball was headed by Miazga and Gianluca Busio’s shot was saved by Dayne St Clair and went to the feet of Canadian defender Scott Kennedy.
American goalkeeper Matt Turner saved Vitoria’s first spot kick, but then Vazquez slid high over the crossbar. Arsenal penalty specialist Turner then kept out Liam Fraser’s soft effort before Cade Cowell finally found the net for the USA.
Published in EDP BLOGS on Jul 11,2023.
