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By: Marvin. A. Azrak
In the 2023 Gold Cup quarterfinals, the eleventh-ranked United States defeated Canada, ranked 45th, in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. Matt Turner saved two shots during the shootout. The match was filled with chaotic and messy moments, even by CONCACAF standards. All four goals were scored after the 87th minute, making it an unforgettable and unpredictable match.
The match had a bizarre start when Kamal Miller accidentally hit the linesman’s face while clearing the ball near the end line. The game was paused for about ten minutes as the injured linesman received medical attention. Once play resumed, Canada struggled to keep possession and penetrate the US team’s final third, while the USMNT made mistakes and played the ball into Canadian defenders under minimal pressure. However, the US team managed to attack the Canadian goal in the 33rd and 38th minutes, although they didn’t score. Canada tried to disrupt the US team’s momentum with a dangerous foul, which resulted in Lucas Cavallini receiving a yellow card. Despite the slow start, it was evident that the young American side was finding their rhythm.
During the game between Canada and the United States, there was a moment of danger for Canada when Bryan Reynolds misplayed a cross in the 47th minute, but the US was fortunate to avoid an own goal. A resulting corner was cleared, but Canada appealed for a handball off of Miles Robinson. The ball appeared to hit Robinson’s hand, but the referee decided that Busio was fouled just moments prior and awarded a free kick instead of a penalty.
Near the end of regulation time, Brandon Vazquez scored a late goal to put the US in the lead, but three minutes into stoppage time, Canada scored from the spot after Miles Robinson was called for a handball. The match went into extra time, and each team scored a goal, with Jacob Shaffelburg putting Canada in front before a Scott Kennedy own goal evened the score.
The match went into a penalty shootout, and US goalkeeper Turner made two saves after Cade Cowell, Gianluca Busio, and Jesus Ferreira scored for the USMNT. Charles-Andreas Brym missed his penalty, hitting the crossbar and sealing the win for the United States.
In less than 72 hours, the United States soccer team will face off against Panama in the semifinals at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. This game will be challenging for the American team, as they are still recovering from their previous match. However, they are the reigning champions and are determined to defend their title and win their eighth Gold Cup trophy. Panama has also performed well in the tournament and will be a formidable opponent. In the quarterfinals, they crushed Qatar, with Yoel Barcenas scoring the first goal and Ismael Diaz scoring a hat-trick in the second half.
Panama secured their spot in the semifinals by defeating Qatar 4-0 on Saturday. Their outstanding ball possession, counterattacks, and dependable goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera make them a formidable opponent. Despite a shot from Bassam Al Rawi towards the end of the first half, Mosquera remained solid throughout the game.
Panama broke the deadlock with a Joel Barcenas header in the 19th minute, leaving Qatar goalkeeper Salah Zakaria with no chance of saving it. Although VAR reviewed the goal for a possible offside position, it was ultimately validated by Mexican referee Cesar Ramos.
Qatar made some changes in the second half, which initially paid off as they put more pressure on the Panamanian goal. However, ten minutes into the second half, Diaz scored an open shot to make it 2-0, assisted by teammate Jose Fajardo. Eight minutes later, Diaz scored again, making it 4-0 shortly after.
Panama has reached two Gold Cup finals, losing the 2005 and 2013 editions to the USMNT. The USMNT has changed after their victory in the CONCACAF Nations League, allowing lesser-known players like Gianluca Busio, DeJuan Jones, and Cade Cowell to make their mark at the Gold Cup.
Matt Turner, a holdover from the CNL, was the star in penalties against Canada. At the same time, Jesus Ferreira has six goals in the tournament, including hat tricks against St. Kitts, Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago. After the USA game is over, the other semifinal between Jamaciand and Mexico will follow. Mexico secured a spot in the 2023 Gold Cup semifinals with a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in front of over 60,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Orbelin Pineda and substitute Erick Sanchez scored in the second half, earning El Tri a ticket to Las Vegas, where they will face Guatemala or Jamaica on Wednesday night. A controversial penalty kick allowed Mexico to score the first goal after a collision between Henry Martin and Kendall Waston in the box. Pineda made a calm conversation. Despite several second-half changes by Costa Rica, they could not challenge Mexico goalkeeper Memo Ochoa, who recorded a shutout. Jamaica defeated Guatemala 1-0 in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals on Sunday at TQL Stadium in Ohio.
Amari’i Bell scored early in the second half, securing a spot in the semifinals for the Reggae Boyz, who missed out on the final four in the 2021 edition. The team will face Mexico on Wednesday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Guatemala had the first chance to score during the game, but Jamaica’s goalkeeper Andre Blake saved a shot from Rubio Rubin. After that, Jamaica took control and had several attempts at Guatemala’s goalkeeper, including a shot from Michail Antonio that went wide. Finally, Demarai Gray passed to Bell, who scored the goal that secured the win for Jamaica. Although Guatemala tried to equalize, Jamaica’s defense held strong, and Blake made some key saves to secure the victory.
The Gold Cup Final will occur at 7:30pm ET on Sunday at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium.
