The United States advanced by the skin of their teeth by winning a 3-2 penalty shootout over Canada after the match was level 2-2 after the end of extra time Sunday in Cincinnati. Matt Turner made two saves in the shootout to continue his dominance in penalty scenarios for the USMNT. Next up is Panama in the semifinal in San Diego on Wednesday.
The team struggled out of the gate as individual mistakes gifted Canada opportunities, but the introduction of Brandon Vazquez and Matt Miazga in the 73rd minute helped change the tide for the USMNT. Vazquez thought that he had the winner in the 88th minute after a pinpoint assist from DeJuan Jones was put on a platter for him to head it past Dayne St. Clair but again, mistakes hurt the USMNT.
Miles Robinson punched a ball in the box to give Canada a penalty that Steven Vitoria drove down the middle to bring things level. Canada would strike first in extra time via Jacob Shaffelburg scoring a goal via a brilliant individual effort. Picking up the ball from midfield, he had the confidence to blow past Jesus Ferreira and Miazga to score. But the United States persevered and found their extra-time equalizer to force penalty kicks in the 114th minute.
This one came via an own goal from Scott Kennedy but it was a team effort to force it. It started with Turner playing the ball into the box from midfield to a Miazga header and it finished with a Gianluca Busio shot to force a save from St. Clair. St. Clair's clearance, which went off of Kennedy's back to lead to the own goal.
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Turner took charge in the shootout by showing that even when the USMNT struggle during a match, they still have enough quality to pull out results when needed. With only 72 hours until they face Panama in the semifinals of the Gold Cup, interim coach B.J. Callaghan will need to evaluate who can play that quickly. Jesus Ferreira just played 120 minutes after starting all of the group stage matches and Miles Robinson was only cleared to play 90 minutes so he had to be withdrawn ahead of stoppage time. With Jalen Neal showing his age with some poor clearances and decisions during the match changes could happen to the back line.
The wings also didn't shine against Canada. Alejandro Zendejas has yet to make his mark with Cowell's direct nature pushing the team forward when he comes on. Julian Gressel's chance creation from open play wasn't as good as his set-play delivery. With Cristian Roldan and Jordan Morris both available, Callaghan will have choices as Panama's midfield can cause similar issues that the Canucks gave the USMNT.