The United States emerged victorious in a penalty shootout against Canada, securing their place in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Goalkeeper Matt Turner’s outstanding performance led the US to a 3-2 shootout triumph, marking their first penalty shootout victory since 2005.
In the 88th minute, Brandon Vázquez’s goal gave the US the initial lead, but Canada equalized in stoppage time with a penalty kick from Steven Vitória, resulting from Miles Robinson’s handball.
Jacob Shaffelburg then put Canada ahead in extra time, only for Scott Kennedy’s own goal to level the score at 2-2.
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During the penalty shootout, Matt Turner’s heroics shone through as he made two crucial saves, thwarting Vitória’s opening kick and denying Liam Fraser’s attempt with a remarkable dive to the left. Unfortunately, Vázquez missed his penalty, sending it over the crossbar.
Looking forward, the winner of the upcoming semi-final clash between the US and Panama will advance to the championship match scheduled for July 16.
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This victory extends the US’s impressive streak of reaching the Gold Cup semi-finals for 12 consecutive tournaments.
With their penalty kick record now standing at 5-4 and 5-2 in competitive matches, the US has overcome their shootout jinx since 2015, when they lost to Panama in the third-place game. Notably, this win also marks their first shootout triumph since the 2005 Gold Cup final against Panama.
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