USMNT-Canada soccer match ends in fight underneath stadium after Gold Cup quarterfinal
Following the U.S. Men’s National Team’s win over Canada that ended in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinal of the Gold Cup, a fight broke out in the tunnel underneath the stadium.
After winning the CONCACAF matchup at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, members of the USMNT reportedly taunted the Canadian team after the final whistle, resulting in a scuffle in the tunnel.
Cameras were there to capture the incident, but it’s hard to determine how it resolved itself or if any action will be taken against the teams moving forward.
After 88 minutes of play, the United States took a 1-0 lead in the Gold Cup matchup versus their North American foes, but it was short-lived. Canada equalized in the game’s stoppage time, then went ahead in extra time. However, an own goal on Canada gave the USMT a chance to take it to a shootout.
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner walked out of the stadium as the hero of the game after pulling off two penalty shootout saves. Canada ultimately lost the penalty shootout with the fifth kick, a miss off the crossbar by Charles-Andreas Brym.
“A lot of the penalties that I had seen on my sheets or in my preparation, most of those guys were off the pitch by the time the pens were there,” Turner said after the game. “I just trusted my instincts, really, and typically when I do that, I find myself having a lot more success.”
The post-game skirmish between the two sides is just the latest incident at a CONCACAF event.
Police apprehend man who stabbed fellow fan at Gold Cup
Tensions rose quickly last Sunday at the CONCACAF Gold Cup matchup at Levi’s Stadium between Mexico and Qatar – but the heat came from off the pitch. One man exited a skirmish with a stab wound to the neck near the collarbone, according to authorities who managed to apprehend the assailant on Wednesday.
The Santa Clara Police Department initially shared images of the suspect in the hopes that more information would come forward.
On Wednesday, they announced the department had arrested 29-year-old Alejandro Garcia-Villanueva and that he is currently in custody.
The Mexican Soccer Federation issued a statement Tuesday to “roundly condemn these acts of violence.” It also offered to work with local authorities to avoid similar events in the future.
Despite the off-field altercation, the match proceeded with little drama. Mexico topped Qatar 4-0. They were coming off of a loss to the U.S. men’s national team. American star Christian Pulisic scored twice in the first half on the way to the 3-0 victory.
Mexico went on to top Costa Rica 2-0 in their next game and the team is now moving on to the semifinals versus Jamaica on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, the United States plays Panama on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.