The 2021 Gold Cup is now underway, flooded with almost 60 MLS players. Two of those hail from the New England Revolution — Tajon Buchanan started at the left wing-back for Canada, while Matt Turner was between the posts for the United States. The pair will be away from the Revolution for the next month with international duty. Canada and USA are both in Group B, so they will cross paths very soon.
Tajon Buchanan owned the Martinique defense all game long. Martinique scored an extremely lucky goal in the opening minutes, but Canada responded. Cyle Larin tied the game up with a header, and after that Buchanan took over. In minute twenty, Tajon dusted the left back and took the ball down the bi-line, assisting perfectly for Jonathan Osorio. Minutes later, he set up another goal down the left side in which Stephen Eustaquio finished off. Canada defeated Martinique 4-1 to kick off Group B.
On the other hand, the United States struggled a bit more, though they faced a far better opponent. The USA brought their complete B/C team, depending on the way it’s interpreted. Haiti was the opponent, a team the US usually deals with easily. The early goal for left back Sam Vines was the lone goal in a 1-0 win for USA. Matt Turner started in goal, and kept a clean sheet. This means Turner has a clean sheet in each of his appearances for the USMNT. Turner was credited with three real saves. Some are worried about his distribution and play with his feet, but it shouldn’t be something to worry about until a mistake is actually forced as a result.
If Buchanan and Turner are going to be absent from the Revs, they might as well be making splashes with their respective national teams. The 2021 Gold Cup will continue action, and Group B will be back in play on Thursday, July 15th. Tajon and Canada will face Haiti, and Turner will guard the goal against Martinique, as the two countries will swap opponents. Canada and USA will be the last group stage matchup, on Sunday, July 18th.