The United States men’s national team was eliminated by Panama in the Gold Cup semifinals on Wednesday after drawing 1-1 and losing on penalty kicks 5-4.
Turner was the hero in penalty kicks vs. Canada on Sunday, however the U.S. couldn’t repeat the magic against Panama. Turner saved one penalty kick vs. Panama, but Jesus Ferreira and Cristian Roldan failed to convert their penalties resulting in the USMNT’s defeat.
USA: ❌
PAN: pic.twitter.com/FOTCZFzzPI— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 13, 2023
USA: ❌✅✅
PAN: ✅✅❌ pic.twitter.com/kg3rwobBYl— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 13, 2023
USA: ❌✅✅✅✅❌
PAN: ✅✅❌✅✅ pic.twitter.com/RZwrcdEMoa— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 13, 2023
COCO GETS IT DONE
USA: ❌✅✅✅✅❌
PAN: ✅✅❌✅✅✅ pic.twitter.com/zD6trYIvCk— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 13, 2023
Despite the loss Turner still provided several key saves to keep the U.S. in the game. His best moment came in the 53rd minute when Turner denied a header from close range to keep the score level.
What an exceptional reaction from Turner pic.twitter.com/CuCHlUlf4V
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 13, 2023
Turner’s other highlight came in the 12th minute when he dived to deny a Panama cross.
The @USMNT's Matt Turner doing what he does best between the posts pic.twitter.com/PUsrf9hawT
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 12, 2023
The goal that Turner conceded happened in extra time when he came out of his box to try and stop Iván Anderson, but the 25-year-old bested him with a clever move.
PANAMA TAKES THE 1-0 LEAD IN EXTRA TIME! pic.twitter.com/lL5kRIziB6
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 13, 2023
Ferreira equalized in extra time, however the USMNT would still fall short.
STOP THAT JESÚS
THAT WAS JUST DIRTY! pic.twitter.com/PoeDZLvKsF— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 13, 2023
This was far from the USMNT’s best squad with many arguing this was a C-team. Turner was one of few “A-List Americans” on the Gold Cup team. The squad couldn't get the job done on home soil and will watch Panama dance to Sofi Stadium and play the winner of Mexico vs. Jamaica.
The Gold Cup final will be played on Sunday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
