CINCINNATI, USA — Canada have reached the knockout phase at the Concacaf Gold Cup for the fourth edition in a row following a 4:2 win over Cuba in Houston. The Tuesday win pushed Canada into second place in Group D with an upcoming Quarterfinals match against hosts USA on Sunday 9 July 2023 in Cincinnati.
“We’ve grown through three very different games and will use the experiences as a foundation for the Quarterfinal,” said John Herdman, Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Head Coach. “It’s a big moment for this group of players. Some will play their first derby match against USA while for others it’s a chance to reach another Gold Cup Semifinal. The motivation is there for sure.”
Junior Hoilett and Jonathan Osorio scored the first two goals before Luis Paradela made it 2-1 from the penalty spot before the break. Jayden Nelson and Liam Millar extended Canada’s lead in the second half before Maykel Reyes scored the last goal also from the penalty spot.
Liam Millar, who scored his first international “A” goal on a header, earned Canada’s Performance of the Match honours while Victor Loturi made his international “A” debut as a substitute in the second half.
Canada Soccer Match Centre
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Hoilett became the first Canadian to score in four editions of the Concacaf Gold Cup and tied Canada’s joint record with six career Gold Cup goals (tied with Lucas Cavallini, Jonathan David, Dwayne De Rosario and Ali Gerba). Hoilett also recorded an assist on Canada’s last goal, giving him the joint Canada record with 16 career assists in all international “A” matches (tied with Alphonso Davies).
As for Herdman, he became the first Head Coach to lead Canada to the Gold Cup knockout phase three times (2019, 2021, 2023). He also tied the Canada record with six career Gold Cup wins (tied with Holger Osieck and Stephen Hart).
Across Canada, the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup matches are broadcast live via OneSoccer, available as a linear channel on Telus’ Optik TV (Channel 980), on the fuboTV Canada platform as well as online at OneSoccer.ca, and through the OneSoccer app. Fans will find extended coverage for the matches across Canada Soccer’s digital channels on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube featuring the hashtag #CANMNT.
Canada Soccer Media Release
Photo credit: Canada Soccer
