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Kyle Bonagura, Editor of ESPN
CINCINNATI — Goalkeeper Matt Turner made two crucial saves in the penalty shootout when USA Last longer Canada 2-2 (3-2) to advance gold Cup semifinal.
“The way he plays big [stands out]”, said US interim coach BJ Callaghan. “He started at Jamaica game. He is the captain who is leading us. Those are the moments you expect the big players to step up.”
After the United States conceded just one goal in three group stage games, Canada scored twice on Sunday night after the first 90 minutes of the game. Steven Victoria beat Turner in the middle on a penalty in stoppage time first Jacob Shaffelburg put Canada 2-1 ahead in the 109th minute. Canada owns an own goal Scott Kennedy increased the score to 2-2 in the 115th minute.
Turner took revenge on Vitoria right on the penalty spot. Vitoria was the first player to take the shot and, once again, went into the middle of Turner.
“A lot of the penalties I’ve seen on my paper or in my preparation, most of those guys were out on the field by the time the penalties were there,” Turner said. “I really just trust my instincts, and usually when I do that, I find myself having more success.”
this time weapon The keeper was ready, parrying a right-handed shot to give America the lead. Afterward Brandon Vazquez miss for the United States, Turner dashes left to save a Liam Fraser shot, and the United States did not look back.
Cade Cowell, Gianluca busio And Jesus Ferreira all scored for the United States, leading 3-2 in the fifth round, when Canada Charles-Andreas Brym hit the crossbar, helping America win.
“These are high-stakes, high-impact games that we want to play because they test the personality of the team, and tonight we showed up,” Callaghan said.
Turner was the only player in the starting line-up against Canada in the Nations League last month.
The Americans have reached the semi-finals of the Gold Cup 12 times in a row. The first time since losing to Panama in the third place match at the 2015 Gold Cup, the Americans improved the score to 5-4 in the decisive penalty shootout matches.
USMNT will now take over Panama in the semifinals on Wednesday night in San Diego.
The US-Panama winners enter the championship match on July 16 with Mexico or Jamaica at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
