**2023 Concacaf Gold Cup Quarter-Final
** **United States vs. Canada
** Sunday, July 9 at 7:30 **p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT
** **TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
** Watch Live: OneSoccer.ca & TELUS Ch. 980
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A measure of revenge and redemption are on the table for the Canadian men’s national team on Sunday, when they battle the United States for the second time in a month — this time in the quarter-final of the Concacaf Gold Cup in Cincinnati, Ohio. These will, of course, be two very different-looking teams to the sides that squared off in the Nations League final a few weeks ago in Las Vegas, but nonetheless the sore memory will be there for the Canadians who were on hand for that disappointing 2-0 defeat. The American squad — still led by interim coach BJ Callaghan at the moment — features just four players from the Nations League roster, including two goalkeepers. The only outfield players remaining are defender Miles Robinson and winger Alejandro Zendejas. For comparison, Canada — who have certainly felt like they’ve been missing starpower in this Gold Cup — have 12 players who were also part of the Nations League squad. It’s been a while since Canada and the U.S. met in the knockout stages of the Gold Cup. In fact, it’s only ever happened twice: in 2002, when the Americans won on penalties after a 0-0 draw, and in 2007, when Landon Donovan’s first-half winner bagged a 2-1 win for the U.S. at Soldier Field. Both of those clashes happened in the semifinals, so this will be the first time these two rivals have ever matched up at this stage of the tournament. Of course, it’s a surprise that they’re meeting this early. Canada booked a date with the U.S. by finishing second in Group D behind Guatemala, going 1-2-0 win the group stage with draws against both Guadeloupe and Guatemala before beating Cuba to keep their tournament alive. The Americans, meanwhile, finished top of Group A, pipping Jamaica on goal difference. They drew the Jamaicans in their first match, then went on to beat both Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago by 6-0 scorelines to win the group. Although the usual stars of the American national team — Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna and so on — aren’t there, this team has plenty of punch, as it showed in the group stage. FC Dallas striker Jésus Ferreira is way out in front of any other player at this Gold Cup with six goals in three games, scoring hat-tricks against both Trinidad and Saint Kitts. The U.S. squad is largely domestic-based, with 17 players currently with Major League Soccer clubs. Canada, meanwhile, are boosted by having plenty of familiarity within the group; they have 10 members of the 2022 World Cup squad here at the Gold Cup. They will, however, have to be at their absolute sharpest to win this quarter-final. Goals have not come easily for Canada so far this tournament, but they’ll need the likes of Lucas Cavallini, Junior Hoilett and Liam Millar to remain goal-dangerous. Nobody has more than one at this Gold Cup, but the 4-2 win over Cuba gave Canada a chance to get four new names on the scoresheet that may inspire confidence going forward. At the back, Canada have also been leaky at times, conceding twice to both Cuba (two penalties) and Guadeloupe (a transition attack and a set-piece). They likely won’t face as many counter-attacking chances against a more possession-based U.S. side, though, which may actually suit them. A strong defensive shape will be needed, as will command of midfield. John Herdman tinkered with his formation a bit in the Cuba game, switching from a 3-5-2 to a 4-4-2, which he may opt for again in this game. Either way, this game offers Canada a chance to wash away at least some of the sour taste left by their last defeat to the U.S. It’s not a best-on-best final, but a win on Sunday would definitely help reinforce the Canadians’ claim to belong among the best sides in Concacaf. The hill is steep — Canada have never beaten the U.S. at the Gold Cup, and in fact haven’t beaten them on American soil at all since 1957 — but it’s a golden opportunity nonetheless.
PROJECTED STARTING XIs
United States: Turner; Yedlin, Robinson, Long, Tolkin; Busio, Sands, Mihailovic; Zendejas, Ferreira, Roldan
**Canada: **St. Clair; Laryea, McGraw, Vitória, Miller, Millar; Ahmed, Loturi, Osorio; Hoilett, Cavallini
ALL-TIME SERIES
United States wins: 18 || Canada wins: 11 || Draws: 12
Previous meeting:
June 18, 2023 — United States 2-0 Canada
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Marco Ortiz (MEX)
ARs: Christian Espinosa (MEX), Jorge Sanchez (MEX)
4th Official: Oshane Nation (JAM)
VAR: Enrique Santander (MEX)