Player Ratings: USA Beat Canada in Penalties
USA beat Canada in a thrilling Gold Cup Quarterfinal at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was an up and down game for the USA where they looked shaky at times, but also threatening going forward. A 1-1 tie after 90 minutes saw the game go to extra time, where USA and Canada both scored to make it 2-2. Ultimately, the game was decided in penalties where USA came out on top via a Matt Turner masterclass.
Starting 11
Turner: 8 – Didn’t have much to do during the game, but had a fantastic penalty shootout that saw him save two and lead the USA to victory.
Reynolds: 4 – Had a decent game in possession and defended his side well…up until the extra time where Shaffelburg had his number.
Robinson: 2 – Challenged Cavallini well, but gave up a penalty in the end of the second half that led to the Canadian equalizer. Also almost gave up another penalty. If he is considered a star in MLS, we really have to start questioning if MLS is a professional league.
Neal: 2 – Was very shaky in possession, Canada should’ve capitalized off his giveaways in the back. Had quite a few shocking passes and defensive plays
Jones: 4.5 –Had some bad giveaways, but swung in an absolute peach of a ball that was finished by Brandon Vazquez.
Busio: 1.5 – Gianluca Busio is definitely on fraud watch. That is, if he ever left it. Gianluca Busio gives me immense hope. The fact that he is allegedly a professional footballer means that I could still yet become a professional. Played better in the second and his shot led to a Canadian own goal in E.T.
Sands: 5 – Had a stable game in the midfield.
Mihailovic: 5 –Was positive going forward but wasn’t able to amount to anything.
Zendejas: 3 – Couldn’t get it going.
Ferreira: 2.5 – Scuffed a chance in the first half, was moved to the midfield in the second half and was not effective.
Gressel: 4.5– Had some teasing set pieces, but took too many touches at times and didn’t really provide much going forward.
SUBS
Cowell: 6 – Took players on and despite some bad passes, his pace and grit was a headache for the Canadian defenders.
Vazquez: 7.5 – Made a difference the moment he stepped on the pitch. Scored a great header. But also had a shocking miss.
Miazga: 6 – Stable in the back and was an aerial threat on set pieces.
Long: 3.5 –Had no notable involvements. Continued to make us wonder how he is a professional footballer.
Morris: 4 – Anonymous.
Roldan: N/A – Not enough time on the field.