Canada lost in a penalty shootout to the United States on Sunday night in the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup, a competition that brings together the best nations in the CONCACAF region.
Coach John Herdman’s men scored twice in the penalty shootout, coming up against a fit Matt Turner in front of the American net. It was Canada’s Charles-Andreas Prime who fired a last-ditch effort over the crossbar to slam into his own team’s coffin.
However, Canada put up a good fight against the Americans, tying the game 1-1 when veteran Steven Vitoria hit the target on a penalty shot.
In the 109th minute, winger Jakob Schaffelburg scored a superb goal to make it 2-1, and the Maple Leafs were able to smell victory for a while.
Unfortunately for the Canadians, the U.S. got lucky minutes later and tied the game when Gianluca Puccio’s shot, blocked by goalkeeper Dane St. Clair, chased defender Scott Kennedy and ended up deep in the net.
Brandon Vasquez scored the other goal for the U.S., who will face Panama in the semifinals. The other semi-final pits Jamaica against Mexico. Both the games will be played next Wednesday.
Like the Americans, Canada did not count on its “A team” for the tournament, which was without Jonathan David and Alphonso Davis.
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