Canada lost on penalties to the USA on Sunday night in the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup, a tournament that brings together the best nations in the CONCACAF zone.
Coach John Herdman’s men scored just two goals on penalties, coming up against a very fit Matt Turner in front of the American net. It was Canada’s Charles-Andreas Brym who nailed his own side’s coffin by hitting the crossbar in the final attempt.
Canada, however, put up a good fight against the Americans and tied the game 1-1 in added time when veteran Steven Vitoria scored a penalty.
For a short time, the Maple Leafs could even smell victory in overtime after winger Jacob Shaffelburg scored a nice goal to make it 2-1 in the 109th minute.
Unfortunately for the Canadians, the United States played luck a few minutes later and leveled the game when a shot from Gianluca Busio, blocked by goalkeeper Dayne St Clair, ricocheted off defender Scott Kennedy and landed deep in the net.
Brandon Vazquez scored the other goal for USA, who then meet Panama in the semifinals. Jamaica and Mexico meet in the other semi-final. Both games will take place next Wednesday.
Like the Americans, Canada could not count on their “A-Team” at this tournament due to the absence of Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies.