CINCINNATI (July 9, 2023) – In a thrilling match that ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, the U.S. Men’s National Team emerged victorious against Canada in a penalty shootout, thanks to goalkeeper Matt Turner’s two crucial saves. The game took place at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, in front of a lively crowd of 24,979 fans. With this win, the USMNT advances to the semifinals of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, where they will face Panama on July 12 at SnapDragon Stadium in San Diego, Calif. (7:30 p.m. ET; FS1, Univision, TUDN).
After a closely contested regular time, with few scoring opportunities, the USMNT finally broke the deadlock in the 88th minute. Substitute Brandon Vazquez, who plays for FC Cincinnati, delighted his home fans by heading in a perfectly placed cross from left back DeJuan Jones. However, just four minutes later, Canada equalized with a penalty kick converted by defender Steven Vitoria, sending the game into extra time.
It was Canada who took the lead in extra time, as forward Jacob Shaffelburg found the back of the net in the 109th minute. The USMNT quickly responded when U.S. midfielder Gianluca Busio forced an own goal off Canada’s Scott Kennedy five minutes later. With the score tied at 2-2 after extra time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout.
Matt Turner stole the show in the shootout, making saves on Canada’s first two attempts. The USA’s Cade Cowell, Busio, and Jesús Ferreira successfully converted their spot kicks, securing the USMNT’s spot in the semifinals. The game had an unusual start when assistant referee Christian Espinosa of Mexico was struck in the face by a ball in the first minute and had to be replaced by Caleb Wales of Trinidad and Tobago.
The first half was characterized by tension and caution, with few clear-cut chances for both teams. The USMNT came close to scoring in the 26th minute when a corner kick from Julian Gressel caused chaos in the Canadian penalty area, but Jesús Ferreira’s shot was blocked. Canada’s best opportunity came in stoppage time when U.S. defender Bryan Reynolds prevented a goal by clearing a low cross from Junior Hoilett over the crossbar.
The second half saw more action, with the USMNT putting pressure on the Canadian defense. Gianluca Busio came close to breaking the deadlock in the 69th minute, but his shot was saved by Canada goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. Substitute Brandon Vazquez also had a chance to score, but his effort went just wide.
Finally, in the 88th minute, Vazquez found the breakthrough, scoring a header to give the USMNT the lead. However, Canada quickly responded with a penalty kick goal from Steven Vitoria in second-half stoppage time, sending the game into extra time.
Canada took the lead in extra time through Jacob Shaffelburg’s deflected shot in the 109th minute. The USMNT fought back, and Gianluca Busio’s shot resulted in an own goal by Canadian defender Scott Kennedy in the 115th minute, leveling the score once again. With no more goals scored in extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout.
Matt Turner emerged as the hero, saving Canada’s first two penalty kicks. Cade Cowell, Busio, and Ferreira successfully converted their spot kicks for the USMNT, sealing the victory. The USMNT advances to the semifinals of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, where they will face Panama.
The USMNT has a strong record in penalty shootouts, having advanced on five out of seven occasions. The team now holds a 17-10-13 overall record against Canada, with a 4-0-2 advantage in Gold Cup play. Matt Turner’s outstanding performance earned him the Bud Light Man of the Match award.
Brandon Vazquez’s goal in the 88th minute was his fourth international goal and third of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup. DeJuan Jones provided the assist for Vazquez’s goal, his second assist in the tournament. Jalen Neal left the match due to a groin injury and was replaced by Aaron Long.
The USMNT played with a relatively young lineup, with an average age of 24 years and 187 days. This was the sixth youngest lineup the team has fielded in a knockout round match, with the five younger lineups employed since June 2021.
USMNT head coach B.J. Callaghan made one change to the lineup from the previous match, bringing in Julian Gressel for Cristian Roldan. James Sands became the 11th USMNT player to appear in 10 consecutive Gold Cup matches. Jalen Neal became the youngest center back to play in a knockout round match for the USMNT at the age of 19 years and 319 days.
The USMNT’s victory over Canada marks their 16th appearance in the Gold Cup semifinals. They will face Panama on July 12 in San Diego, aiming to secure a spot in the final.
