It was a roller coaster of a match for the United States Men’s National Team on Sunday evening when the red, white, and blue defeated Canada 3-2 in a wild penalty shootout.
The United States played a lackluster first half, but still were able to create some chances on offense in the second half. It would take the United States until the 88th minute when Cincinnati FC’s Brandon Vazquez delivered a beautiful header into the back of the net to give the red, white, and blue a late 1-0 lead. The neighbors up north would find an equalizer in the third minute of stoppage time to send the Canadians and Americans into extra time.
Canada’s Jacob Shaffelburg gave the red and white a 2-1 lead in the 109th minute, but then Scott Kennedy would concede and own goal to make the United States level 2-2 in the 115th minute before the end of extra time.
United States goalkeeper Matt Turner would become the first American goalkeeper to record multiple saves in a penalty shootout in 20 years. Turner would save the first penalty with his right hand when Steven Vitoria tried putting the ball in the center of the net. Vazquez would then sky his attempt for the United States, and Turner was forced to stop Liam Frasier’s attempt.
Cade Cowell, Jesus Ferreira and Gianluca Busio all converted their penalty attempts for the United States, as did Kamal Miller and Jacen Russell-Rowe for Canada. Charles Andreas-Brym would rattle his shot off of the crossbar, resulting in celebrations across the pitch for the United States.
The United States Men’s National Team advances to the Gold Cup Semi-finals match against a tough Panama side that just trounced Qatar 4-0 in the quarterfinal round. This is the 12th consecutive Gold Cup Semi-finals appearance for the United States Men’s National Team. The winner between the two on Wednesday will square off with the winner of Mexico/Jamaica on July 16 in Inglewood, California.