USMNT vs. Canada, 2023 Gold Cup Quarterfinals: Match Summary
The USMNT faced off against familiar rivals Canada in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Gold Cup and secured their second victory over their northern neighbors. Here’s a recap of how the game unfolded.
The USMNT clashed with Canada for the second time in a month. Interim coach B.J. Callahan made a single change to the lineup that triumphed 6-0 over Trinidad and Tobago, replacing Cristian Roldan with Julian Gressel. The match got off to an unusual start when Kamal Miller accidentally struck the linesman’s face with a clearance near the end line. To tend to the injured linesman, the play was halted for approximately ten minutes.
Once the game resumed, the initial stages were relatively uneventful. Canada struggled to maintain possession and failed to penetrate the USMNT’s final third. On the other hand, the US team appeared sloppy and slow, often misplacing passes or playing the ball into Canadian defenders while under minimal pressure.
However, the momentum shifted after the 30-minute mark. Canada managed to advance down the USMNT’s right side and earned a free kick, but the American defense held firm. The US team demonstrated skillful play under pressure, recycling possession and launching attacks on the Canadian goal in the 38th minute. Although they didn’t create clear-cut chances, their ball control indicated that the young American side was finding their rhythm. Canada attempted to disrupt their flow with a dangerous foul in the 41st minute, resulting in Lucas Cavallini receiving a yellow card.
Canada’s most threatening moment of the first half occurred in the 47th minute when Bryan Reynolds mishandled a cross, narrowly avoiding an own goal. The subsequent corner was cleared, but Canada appealed for a handball against Miles Robinson. Upon review, it was determined that a foul had occurred just before the incident, resulting in a free kick instead of a penalty.
The Second Half
The second half commenced with the USMNT dominating possession once again. Jones won a dangerous free kick close to the byline on the left side of the Canadian penalty box. Gressel took the free kick, but Canadian goalkeeper St. Clair punched it away.
Canada resorted to rough challenges, resulting in a yellow card for Alejandro Zendejas. The subsequent free kick was played towards the right side, but no teammates were in the box to connect with Busio’s cross.
The US team showcased impressive combination play down the left side, primarily involving Ferreira. Zendejas had a shot blocked and cleared, but the USMNT swiftly regained possession after a quick counterattack by Canada. However, a loose ball given away by Neal in the final third momentarily caused concern for the USMNT.
Excitement stirred among the local supporters when FC Cincinnati players Brandon Vazquez and Matt Miazga entered the game in the 73rd minute. Vazquez had an opportunity in the 74th minute, but he shot over the goal. He attempted another shot in the 77th minute, but Gressel was judged offside in the build-up.
In the 86th minute, the USMNT flooded the box and found an unmarked Busio on the left. However, the Canadian defense cleared the ensuing cross before the referee awarded a foul in favor of the defense. The USMNT finally made a breakthrough when DeJuan Jones delivered an exceptional curling ball from deep in midfield to Brandon Vazquez, who hammered it into the net. The USMNT seemed to have secured the victory, but a second VAR review identified a handball by Miles Robinson in the penalty box. The referee pointed to the penalty spot, and Steven Vitoria converted the penalty, equalizing the score.
Extra Time
The match entered added time, with the game tied at 2-2. Canada capitalized on a lapse in USMNT’s pressure, with substitutes Shaffelburg and Russell-Rowe combining for a chance that sailed over the bar. Shaffelburg continued to trouble the USMNT with his speed, bypassing Bryan Reynolds on the right side in the 96th minute.
The second part of added time continued with the USMNT still attacking Canada. Busio saved a shot immediately after a second ball was played toward Vazquez and the Canadian defense. However, Canada broke the deadlock when Shaffelburg bypassed the US team’s defense and slotted the ball past Miazga’s legs and Turner.
The US team continued to press forward, with Jesus Ferreira attempting a headed shot and Cristian Roldan adding creativity to the attack. Another breakthrough occurred for the USMNT when Matt Turner delivered a hopeful ball into the box, eventually finding Busio. Busio’s shot was swatted away by Canada’s goalkeeper but deflected off a defender and into the net.
The USMNT maintained their offensive pressure, forcing several dangerous corners delivered by Jesus Ferreira, but they couldn’t convert them into shots. In the game’s dying moments, Matt Miazga received a yellow card for colliding with the referee, but this didn’t prevent the game from proceeding to a penalty shootout.
Penalties
There was some contention between Steven Vitoria and Matt Turner during the coin toss, and both teams disputed their positioning during the shootout. Amidst the commotion, Vitoria awkwardly held the ball. However, Matt Turner made a crucial save on the first penalty attempt.
The quarterfinal clash between the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) and Canada in the 2023 Gold Cup ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with the USMNT emerging victorious in a penalty shootout.
With the win, the USMNT advanced to the semifinals, where they will face Panama in San Diego on July 12th.
