The United States Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) defeated Canada in the much-anticipated CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-final due to some heroics from goalkeeper Matt Turner. The match ended 2-2 after extra time and it took penalties to decide who will play in the semi-final. Skipper Turner took matters into his own hands to get his nation through.
Both teams were missing star men from their squads. Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies among others have not traveled to the US with the squad for reasons related to rest. On the other hand, for the USMNT, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Folarin Balogun are not part of the squad.
USA topped Group A, while Canada finished second in Group D to set up a quarter-final showdown. The much-awaited clash between the North American giants was a lackluster one for around 80 minutes. However, the game came to life after Brandon Vazquez headed home to break Canadian hearts in the 87th minute. But, Canada was not out of it yet. VAR helped them earn a penalty and Canadian skipper Vitoria scored from the spot.
Jacob Shaffelberg just turned into Lionel Messi and made it 2-1.
— Stars and Stripes FC (@StarsStripesFC) July 10, 2023
The game went into 30 minutes of extra time. In the 109th minute, Jacob Shaffelberg scored a screamer to give Canada the lead. However, the game had more drama left in it. Busio equalized for the USA just a few minutes later and the match was destined for penalties.
Matt Turner remembered cancer patient Malia during his heroic celebrations
The pressure of a penalty shoot-out in a knockout game gets to the best of players. However, 29-year-old Turner was not one of them. He saved the very first penalty that was struck at him. He redeemed himself by saving Vitoria’s penalty, the Canadian skipper who scored against him in normal time.
Vazquez came up to take the kick for the USMNT but he blazed it over. Turner took that in his stride and stopped the next penalty taken by Liam Fraser. Cade Colwell scored for the USA next and so did Kamal Miller for Canada.
With three penalties each taken and the score at 2-1, the pressure was rising. Busio (USA), Jacen Russell Rowe (Canada), and Jesus Ferreira (USA) scored next. Charles-Andreas Byrm, however, missed his penalty which helped the USA go through.
Rest in peace @MaliaJusczyk thank you for smiling down on us all 💛💛 pic.twitter.com/YeXFUxWofK
— Matt Turner (@headdturnerr) July 10, 2023
Turner, the US hero, wore a shirt under his jersey that had ‘RIP Malia’ penned on it. As explained by a Fox Sports reporter, “Another reason to love Matt Turner. Honoring a pediatric cancer patient who passed away a few months ago. Malia had been a long-time honorary captain for the New England Revolutions with the course of their games. So, Matt remembering that is more than just soccer.”
Matt Turner had ‘R.I.P Malia’ written on his shirt during the USMNT win against Canada and was visibly emotional after the win 🙏 pic.twitter.com/sVcfsM9oqw
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) July 10, 2023
The USMNT is set to face Panama in the semi-final of the Gold Cup. They are the defending champions of the tournament as they won it in 2021. If they manage to triumph again they will become the joint-most successful nation in the CONCACAF Gold Cup along with Mexico (8).