Wednesday, June 15, 2011

2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup - Night Nine: The US Squeaks Through


The 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup came to end Tuesday night at the new Livestrong Stadium in Kansas City with Canada playing Panama and the United States taking on Guadeloupe.

In the night's first match, Canada took an early lead over Panama in the 61st minute when Dwayne De Rosario converted a penalty kick after being fouled by Eybir Bonaga. Canada managed to hold onto its slim lead for almost 30 minutes, but in stoppage time Luis Tejada picked up a goal for Panama. The 1-1 draw enabled Panama to clinch Group C. Panama will play El Salvador on Sunday night at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

In light of the result in the Canada-Panama match, the United States knew that they could not win the group, but they could advance to the quarterfinals with a win or draw against Guadeloupe. It was Jozy Altidore who proved to be the hero for the United States on Tuesday night when he picked up a long range goal in the 8th minute of the match. Despite numerous chances to pick up more goals, the game ended 1-0 and the United States advanced to the quarterfinals where it will face a strong and dangerous Jamaica at RFK Stadium on Sunday.

While the US and Panama play in the quarterfinals on Sunday night, the quarterfinals actually start on Saturday with Mexico playing Guatemala and Honduras playing Costa Rica at The New Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey.



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