After PKs, the USMNT defeats Canada in the CONCACAF Gold Cup at TQL Stadium.

 The USMNT has had some memorable evenings in Cincinnati, but its quarterfinal match versus Canada in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup was really unforgettable.


After a 2-2 tie, the USMNT defeated Canada in penalty kicks on Sunday at TQL Stadium to advance to the Gold Cup semifinal stage. The USMNT will face Panama on Wednesday in San Diego in the hopes of advancing to the tournament's title match, which will crown a federation champion for North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean.


The USMNT has had some memorable evenings in Cincinnati, but its quarterfinal match versus Canada in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup was really unforgettable.

After a 2-2 tie, the USMNT defeated Canada in penalty kicks on Sunday at TQL Stadium to advance to the Gold Cup semifinal stage. The USMNT will face Panama on Wednesday in San Diego in the hopes of advancing to the tournament's title match, which will crown a federation champion for North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean.

Turner made two stops in the next penalty kicks, and a third Canadian shooter shot the ball off the crossbar in the fifth round of penalties, ensuring the USMNT's advancement in the competition.

On Sunday, TQL Stadium hosted a sold-out quarterfinal doubleheader. The nightcap game between border rivals USMNT and Canada was highlighted by FC Cincinnati stars and an overall odd night of occurrences in a high-pressure international encounter.

"I think the match was what we were expecting in terms of, when you get high intensity, high stakes knockout soccer matches, you have to be performing at your best," interim USMNT manager B.J. Callaghan said afterward. "At the same time, you have to be prepared for the unexpected and have good responses to difficult situations, and I thought this had it all." Our team had excellent spirit throughout to be able to get a goal fight for a goal and unfortunately give one back immediately. But then we went down and simply kept fighting.

"We're always talking about how players need to step up and make huge plays. We know we can count on all of the guys, and tonight was proof of that. Brandon came in and scored the goal. You had Jordan Morris make a play in the box that led to our good fortune. And then, at the end, you mentioned Matt Turner and how he simply makes big plays... he's the captain right now, leading us, and those are the times when we need big players to stand up."

Vazquez, Miazga bring TQL Stadium to life

Vazquez and FC Cincinnati center back Matt Miazga both started on the bench for Callaghan, but as the night developed, their presence in sideline warm-up drills loomed huge.

Fans chanted, "We want Vazquez." After a slow start, in-stadium video board cutaways to Vazquez and Miazga preparing to enter the game sparked TQL Stadium to life.

When Vazquez and Miazga eventually entered the action in the 76th minute, they prompted the night's greatest ovation.

"It seems like it's something that everyone wishes for." When you're a little child playing soccer, you look forward to hearing the stadium sing your name," Vazquez added. "It only fueled me." I was just absorbing it all in and channeling it to fuel my desire to come in and make a difference. I can say I came in and did it.

"Oh my goodness, what an incredible sensation. It's a fantastic feeling to be able to represent my country and my home stadium in front of all these 'FC' fans, USA fans. "This is literally what dreams are made of."
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