US beats Canada in penalties to advance to Gold Cup semifinal

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Matt Turner told his American teammates not to worry when their match against Canada went to penalty kicks.

"He had the last word before we went out to the field," U.S. interim coach B.J. Callaghan said. "It’s just encouraging the guys to stay calm, stay committed to what they’ve practiced."

Turner stopped two penalty kicks, and the American beat Canada 3-2 in the shootout after a 2-2 draw Sunday night for a berth in a CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal against Panama. The U.S. had not won a shootout since 2005.

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Team USA hoists their goalkeeper Matt Turner (1) in extra time in a penalty shootout during a CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-final soccer match against the Canada, Sunday, July 9, 2023, in Cincinnati. The United States advances.  (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

"A lot of the penalties that I had seen on my sheets or in my preparation, most of those guys were off the pitch by the time the pens were there," Turner said. "I just trusted my instincts, really, and typically when I do that, I find myself having a lot more success."

Brandon Vázquez gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead in the 88th minute, but Steven Vitória tied the score in the third minute of stoppage time with a penalty kick after a hand ball on Miles Robinson. Jacob Shaffelburg put Canada ahead in the 109th but an own goal by Canada's Scott Kennedy made it 2-2 in the 115th.

Turner stopped Vitória's opening penalty kick with his right hand when Vitória shot down the middle, as he did in regulation. Vázquez skied his attempt over the crossbar and Turner dived left to bat away Liam Fraser's attempt.

"He's a really settling force at the back