In the final matchday of Group B, the United States hosted Canada at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City. Matt Turner started in net for the US, while Tajon Buchanan made his third straight start for Canada. The two crossed paths in the match multiple times during the USA’s 1-0 clean sheet victory.
Just twenty seconds into the game, the United States scored the first and only goal. Kellyn Acosta swung the ball out wide for Sebastian Lletget, who crossed it into the box first time. It was Shaq Moore, the starting right back, finishing it off at the back post for his first international goal. No other goals were scored, though the match didn’t lack excitement.
Buchanan was very involved again, creating the most chances in the game, with three. He came extremely close to tying the game in the second half. He cut in from the left sideline, and hit a perfect curler from right outside the box. The right post was awaiting after beating Matt Turner’s outstretched gloves, but it went just inches wide. The second time the two crossed paths was also in the second half, this time on the right side. Buchanan ripped a shot with the right foot at Turner’s near post, but he was able to parry it away to win the battle again. Turner grabbed the clean sheet, and the USA won the group with nine points in three wins.
The quarterfinals of the 2021 Gold Cup will happen next week, with both Canada and the US involved. For American Revs fans, the hope is obviously that Canada loses as soon as possible so New England gains their dynamic winger back into the lineup. As of now, it’s most likely that USA will face Jamaica on July 25th. Canada is slated to face Costa Rica, who is considered one of the other best teams in the tournament. The quarterfinals should be interesting for Revs fans, as their players lie on two championship hopeful countries.