The United States men’s national soccer team advanced to the Gold Cup final for the second consecutive time after defeating Panama 4-3 on penalties in a thrilling semifinal match on Wednesday night at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
The game ended 1-1 in regulation time, with Jesús Ferreira scoring his seventh goal of the tournament for the USA in the 18th minute and Alberto Quintero equalizing for Panama in the 54th minute. Neither team could find a winner in extra time, despite both having chances to do so.
The penalty shootout was a tense affair, with both goalkeepers making saves and both teams missing one spot-kick each. The decisive moment came when Matt Turner, who had already denied Quintero in the first round, stopped Eric Davis’ attempt in the fifth round, leaving Julian Gressel to convert the winning penalty for the USA.
The USA will face Mexico or Jamaica, who play later on Wednesday night, in the tournament’s final on Sunday night at SoFi Stadium. The USA are aiming to win their eighth Gold Cup title and their second in a row, having beaten Mexico 1-0 in the 2021 final.
Panama, meanwhile, will have to settle for their third semifinal exit in the Gold Cup, having previously lost to Mexico in 2013 and 2015. Panama have never won the Gold Cup and have only reached the final twice, losing to the USA in 2005 and 2013.
