Matt Turner continues to burnish his reputation as a penalty-saving specialist as the USA secured a place in the Gold Cup semi-finals with a dramatic win over Canada.
After a see-saw encounter ended 2-2 after extra time, the Arsenal keeper made two stops in the shootout before Charles-Andreas Brym sealed Canada’s exit with an effort that came off the bar.
It was a night of high drama in Cincinnati with the US taking the lead through Brandon Vazquez’s 88th-minute header only to be pegged back deep into stoppage time when Steven Vitoria converted a penalty.
Despite taking the lead in the 109th minute through Jacob Shaffelburg’s slightly deflected strike, Canada couldn’t hold on to their slim advantage as an own goal by Scott Kennedy sent the game to penalties.
Having been outwitted by Vitoria’s earlier penalty, Turner exacted revenge with a strong fist when his opponent again tried to go down the middle. The Gunners’ backup keeper then denied Liam Fraser with a save down to his left to tee up a 3-2 victory.
You’ll remember Turner also saved a penalty in the group stage draw with Jamaica meaning he’s now stopped 14 out of 35 spot-kicks (inclusive of shootouts) faced in his senior career; a 40% success rate.
The USA will play Panama for a chance to take on Mexico or Jamaica in the final at LA’s SoFi Stadium on 16 July. Arsenal play in the same stadium against Barcelona 10 days later.
Turner’s penalty save stat and gold cup final date contradicts what is on the blog page.
The Gold Cup final is on 16 July in LA time but 17 July in UK. Above stat includes his record in penalty shootouts.
Thank you for the clarification.
Oooppps he did it again! Great keeper.
Britney cheers.
Maybe we should sub him in in extra time in cup ties where Ramsdale starts, Rammy’s great at literally everything else but penalties
Good to know we can rely on our GK to reach the finals in Carabao and FA Cup the coming season.
now if only the usmnt would ditch berhalter…
Why isn’t Balogun at the Gold Cup?
He played in the national league. Gold cup is the USA second team aside from a few (Matt Turner). If Balogun played in both tournaments he would have had no summer break
Nations League*
Turner also made the key pass that led to the tying US goal at the end of extra time. He had a fantastic night.
Tangential – When was the last time an Arsenal GK saved a penalty in regular time?
Cech against Stoke?