Alyssa Naeher's Clutch Saves Amaze Fans as USWNT Beat Canada, Make W Gold Cup Final
Mar 7, 2024
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Alyssa Naeher #1 of the United States celebrates after defeating Canada during the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup semifinals at Snapdragon Stadium on March 06, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ben Nichols/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
The United States women's national team faced a tough test from Canada in the Concacaf W Gold Cup semifinals on Wednesday night, but goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher emerged as the hero the team needed.
After a pair of goals by each team in extra time led to a score of 2-2, the game went to a shootout, and that's where Naeher shined. Not only did she save three out of the four penalty kicks by Canada, but she even made one PK of her own to help give the USWNT a 3-1 edge to advance to the Gold Cup final.
Both teams had to overcome a rain-soaked field at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. Players were clearly frustrated as the playing surface was obviously far from ideal, which led many to question whether the match should've been postponed.
When it was all said and done, the USWNT went home happy thanks to Naeher's impressive performance. The team's goals in regulation were scored by Sophia Smith and Jaedyn Shaw. Smith and Lindsey Horan converted the other two penalty kicks.
Fans on social media were blown away by Naeher's heroics, and they showered her with some well-deserved praise:
ALYSSA NAEHER WILLS THE USWNT TO THE CONCACAF W GOLD CUP FINAL 😤
US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher saves 3 penalties and buries 1 of her own. Take off, you hosers! Moving on to the final. #USWNT 🇺🇸⚽️ pic.twitter.com/wa5APDaear
In her 101st cap, the Connecticut-born keeper turns in a penalty shootout performance for the ages, saving three and scoring one. An embodiment of calm and tranquility in the position where it is desperately needed. pic.twitter.com/C7pwGUAfLQ
You could tell Alyssa Naeher was pissed at that late yellow card that led to a penalty for Canada, so she said welp, it looks like I’ll have to save three penalties in the shootout and convert my own PK to seal this win. Massive. 👏🏾#USWNT#WGoldCuppic.twitter.com/kt4m9mR2o6
6 - Alyssa Naeher has saved 6 of the 14 on-target penalties she's faced in competitive penalty shoot-outs for the @USWNT. Wall. pic.twitter.com/VFhF9gNVWG
— Uber Fennec Shand Stan #GBO (@theuberfan) March 7, 2024
The USWNT will face Brazil in the W Gold Cup final on Sunday at Snapdragon Stadium.
Brazil defeated Mexico 3-0 in Wednesday's other semifinal, which denied the USWNT its chance at revenge following its upset loss to Mexico in the group stage.
Sunday's match is still sure to be an exciting showdown between two powerhouse squads.
USMNT Loss to Panama Stuns Fans after Penalty Kick Flop in 2023 Gold Cup Semis
Jul 13, 2023
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 12: United States react to loosing the PK shootout against Panama during the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup Semifinals at Snapdragon Stadium on July 12, 2023 in San Diego, California. (Photo by John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Live on the edge long enough and eventually you might fall off.
Such was the case for the USMNT, which for the second straight game went into a penalty shootout in the Gold Cup. Unlike a quarterfinal victory over Canada, however, this time the Americans fell to Panama 1-1 (5-4 on penalties).
Goalkeeper Matt Turner didn't have quite the same magic as he did against Canada, only coming up with one save through six rounds. Jesús Ferreira and Cristian Roldan each missed their attempts, meanwhile, opening the door for Panama.
No reason to overreact to this. And they’ll say USMNT Twitter is freaking out.
Honestly I’m not. Our federation didn’t take this tournament seriously. They made that abundantly clear with the decision to have a C team led by an interim interim manager.
What we learned was the #USMNT had four killers on the squad and the rest were sheep. Ferreira, Vazquez, Miazga, and Turner. Don’t care to see any of the other players in the setup again.
Things looked bleak for the United States at various points throughout this match, as two Panama goals were erased due to offside rulings and the Americans were wasteful with their own opportunities.
And then disaster struck in the first overtime session, as Iván Anderson gave Panama in the lead.
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) July 13, 2023
It was only a stay of execution, however, as the United States failed to reach the final and Panama finally got back there after a decade-long hiatus.
The long view for the Americans is that this wasn't even a B-squad lineup, instead composed of players trying to make a case for more regular inclusion to the national team. The disappointment for the country is that more players didn't acquit themselves particularly well.
Turner only further entrenched his standing as the first-choice 'keeper. Ferreira kept himself in the mix in a once-muddled forward conversation that now seems likely to be headlined by Arsenal's Folarin Balogun. Perhaps Miazga—outside of his unsportsmanlike decision to block the path of a Panama player ahead of his penalty attempt—and Brandon Vázquez upped their stock.
Beyond that, it wasn't pretty for the United States. More is expected from the current kings of CONCACAF, even when it's the C- or D-team.
Matt Turner, USMNT Thrill Fans by Beating Canada in Penalty Shootout in Gold Cup QF
Jul 10, 2023
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 09: Matt Turner #1 of the United States reacts after a save during the penalty shoot out in the Quarterfinal match in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup against Canada at TQL Stadium on July 09, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
What a rollercoaster of emotions.
The United States National Team kept its hopes alive of defending its Gold Cup title Sunday night with a win over Canada at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, advancing to the semifinals of the competition.
And on a night where they had to win the game multiple times, the Americans needed a hero before the end of the night.
Enter Matt Turner.
The United States' No. 1 stepped up in the biggest moments, saving two huge penalties to start the shootout and giving his squad just enough breathing room to squeeze by, winning 3-2 on pens.
But it was a long and harrowing journey before getting to that point.
A long, scoreless night seemed to end in the 88th minute when Brandon Vázquez—the FC Cincinnati striker—gave the US the lead on a sensational header. But a handball in the box just a few minutes later led to a stoppage-time penalty from Canada's Steven Vitória.
The neighbors to the north struck first in extra time as an incredible run by Jacob Shaffelburg resulted in an even better finish under the arms of Turner to make it 2-1 with just over 10 minutes remaining, seemingly sealing the reigning champs' fate.
However, an own-goal from Scott Kennedy leveled it back up for the US in the 114th minute and eventually set up Turner's dominant performance in the shootout.
Going up against Vitória for a second time from the spot, Turner remembered the down the middle shot that the veteran striker put past him earlier, standing his grown and saving it this time around. He'd save the following penalty as well, setting the tone for the victory.
But none of Turner's work would have been possible without the work of Gianluca Busio, the United States' best player on the pitch for long stretches of the night.
He was active in all phases of the game, breaking up Canada's play as well as pushing the ball forward on counter attacks.
It was Busio's shot that Kennedy turned in to give the Americans a late equalizer in front of a raucous home crowd.
A hard shot from @gbusio13 bounces off the Canadian defender into the net!!!
— American Outlaws KC (@AOKCdoesnotstop) July 10, 2023
LOOOOOOOOOL BUSIO EQUALIZES SOMEHOW I DON'T EVEN KNOW
— Stars and Stripes FC (@StarsStripesFC) July 10, 2023
With hopes of a repeat still alive, the national team will now advance to play an impressive Panama squad Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET
A date with rivals Mexico in the final is still a possibility as El Tri is set for a semifinal matchup against Jamaica.
Jesús Ferreira's Hat Trick Excites USMNT Fans in Gold Cup Win vs. Trinidad and Tobago
Jul 3, 2023
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JULY 02: Jesús Ferreira #9 of the United States celebrates scoring during the first half of a Group A - 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup match against Trinidad and Tobago at Bank of America Stadium on July 02, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
The United States men's national team advanced to the Gold Cup knockout stage with a 6-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday behind a historic performance by striker Jesús Ferreira.
The 22-year-old recorded a first-half hat trick, becoming the first player in USMNT history to record hat tricks in back-to-back games. The win secured first place in Group A for the Americans.
Ferreira opened the scoring in the 14th minute off an assist from DeJuan Jones. He put in his next goal in the 38th minute off a rebound, and then he added another on a penalty kick right before halftime. Cade Cowell put in a goal in the 65th minute, and Gianluca Busio converted an assist from Julian Gressel in the 79th minute. Brandon Vazquez added another goal in stoppage time to cap the blowout win.
A two-time MLS All-Star for FC Dallas, Ferreira is already a rising star. He now has 14 career international goals since joining the U.S. men's national team in 2020.
Fans on Twitter were blown away by Ferreira's dazzling performance on Sunday:
Jesús Ferreira becomes the first USMNT player in history to score hat tricks in consecutive games 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/P2P4PzAnxZ
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 2, 2023
Jesús Ferreira has a strong understanding of link up play. Just now, the way he peels back to set up Roldán for a shot. He’s obviously better as a false 9 or a second striker. He’s good at this soccer thing. Happy to see.
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 3, 2023
Four or five years ago, if a player had Jesus Ferreira's form, he would be the unquestioned #USMNT starting striker. But right now Ferreria is on the C team.
Jesus Ferreira isn’t a starter with a full strength USMNT, but he’s 22 years old and has so much to his game. If you actively are angered by him playing with the B team, you need to ask yourself some questions.
For me, Jesus Ferreira is 3rd best option at Striker for the USMNT. Ferreira should get that job locked up pretty quickly if he goes to Europe. #USMNT#DTID
The United States men's national team needs a second straight offensive outburst to hold on to first place in Group A of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup. The…
USMNT Impresses Twitter with Goal Eruption vs. St. Kitts and Nevis in 2023 Gold Cup
Jun 29, 2023
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - JUNE 28: Jesús Ferreira #9 of the United States celebrates scoring with Djordje Mihailovic #14 during the second half of a Group A match of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup against Saint Kitts and Nevis at CITYPARK on June 28, 2023 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
That went about as expected.
The United States beat up on Saint Kitts and Nevis in Gold Cup group play on Wednesday, winning 6-0 behind Jesús Ferreira's hat trick.
It only took 20 caps for @Jesusfcd27 to get double-digit goals 😳
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 29, 2023
This was the result the USMNT expected and should have achieved, even with the C team in action. The United States probably could have doubled its advantage with more clinical finishing.
But USMNT Twitter was generally happy with the goal barrage:
The beauty of Jesus Ferreira is he can play 10 or 9... or 11. Continues to score for club/country, and yeah he is 22.#USMNT
— Maximiliano Bretos (@MaxBretosSports) June 29, 2023
I firmly believe Jesus Ferreira can dish out double digit goals and assist in a Top 10 League.
Really great to see from Djordje Mihailovic tonight, who finishes with two goals and two assists. Lively on the ball, smart passes, confident finish for the first goal as well. Hopefully stays in starting lineup going forward this tournament. #USMNTpic.twitter.com/hZLCeqwanL
Can’t take much of anything other than enjoyment out of a match like this. But Reynolds, Neal, & Mihailovic have a lot of skills the #USMNT needs better depth with. They jump off the screen.
6-0 FT #USMNT - is this enough to win the GD race vs Jamaica? Not sure. They could have done more - Ferreira, Reynolds, Djordje did their part - Zendejas & Sonora did not - the effort was fine - big shoutout to SK&N GK Julani Archibald. He made some great saves until the end
Saint Kitts and Nevis has a population of about 47,600. To put that in perspective, St. Louis' CityPark, where the game was played, by itself can house 22,423 spectators.
The small Caribbean country is also appearing in its first Gold Cup, while the United States has established itself in recent years at the preeminent Concacaf power.
So, no, this wasn't a fair fight. It was a tough night on multiple levels for Saint Kitts and Nevis, however:
The United States now sits atop Group A on four points, currently ahead of Jamaica on goal differential (6-3). To win the group, the Americans will likely have to beat Trinidad and Tobago by a substantial margin, with Jamaica finishing its group stage against Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The USMNT will take on Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. Jamaica will face Saint Kitts and Nevis at that same date and time.
The United States men's national team is expected to cruise to a victory on Wednesday night. The Americans take on Saint Kitts & Nevis in their second of…
The United States men's national team begins its Concacaf Gold Cup title defense on Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago against Jamaica. The Gold Cup roster…
Miles Robinson's Late Goal in Extra Time Lifts USA Past Mexico in 2021 Gold Cup Final
Aug 2, 2021
USA's defender Miles Robinson heads the ball during the Concacaf Gold Cup football match final between Mexico and USA at the Allegiant stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 1, 2021. (Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
For the full 90 minutes of regulation in Sunday's Gold Cup final between the United States and Mexico, the match was defined by missed opportunities.
His 117th-minute goal on Kellyn Acosta's brilliant free kick was the difference in the United States' 1-0 win in yet another entertaining and intense—if sloppy—entry in this CONCACAF rivalry. Would you expect anything less when these two teams meet?
It was fitting that Robinson—who helped lead a stout defense throughout the tournament—ended the deadlock.
Miles Robinson SHOULD BE the Gold Cup Player of the Tournament. Periodt.
The #USMNT defense posted five shutouts and didn't allow a goal in the run of play, and Robinson was a HUGE reason for that.
"We were focusing a lot on set pieces," Robinson said after the game on the FS1 broadcast. "I knew if I could get open, get a half-step, I could finish one. Kellyn put a perfect ball in, so I had to finish it."
"I'm happy we got the W. That's all I can say." 🇺🇸
Robinson may have missed out on being named Player of the Tournament, but Matt Turner won Goalkeeper of the Tournament. The 27-year-old was an obvious selection because of his dominance.
This was a performance the USMNT and its fans won't soon forget, in large part because the squad that took the field for the Gold Cup was missing many of the country's best players. It was largely a second- and third-choice United States versus a Mexico side comprised of many of its best veterans.
Suffice to say, it was a gritty showing by the young Americans, who displayed immense heart and poise to win an extra-time showdown against their bitter rival.
Pretty impressive from #USMNT to win this Gold Cup given the lack of experience and the absence of key figures in this group.
WHAT a performance by this #USMNT squad. Facing the favored Mexicans, boasting its strong squad of European-based stars, this young USA side stepped up and knocked off El Tri.
A clean sweep of trophies this summer sure does suggest there's a new king of Concacaf.
It can't be overstated just how many good chances each side failed to capitalize on, however. Mexico controlled possession, peppering the United States with dangerous opportunities. The Stars and Stripes came into the game in the second half, posing a major threat on the counterattack.
All's well that ends well for the United States, which won its second consecutive final over Mexico for the first time in history. It also won the CONCACAF Nations League final over El Tri in June.
As for Mexico, well, there will be major questions to answer. Heated as this rivalry may be, there's no shame in losing to a USMNT with its full complement of stars. But losing to a largely unproven collection of American players?
Well, that can't be framed as anything less than a major disappointment.
