OT: Soccer - Canada Upsets US U-23 MNT 2-0

Submitted by I Bleed Maize N Blue on

The U-23 men had a disappointing outing against Canada, losing 2-0 in the second match of CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying and falling to third place at 1-1, +4GD.  A win Monday night against first place El Salvador (1-0-1, +4GD) will put them in the semis to have a chance for qualifying for London   A tie and they're probably out, as second place Canada (1-0-1, +2GD)  is unlikely to lose to group patsy Cuba (0-2, -10GD).

F Juan Agudelo was out with a torn meniscus in his left knee.  Teal Bunbury started instead.  Jorge Villafana was the other new starter, taking LB, moving Zarek Valentin to RB.  Canada had 7 new starters, and it showed - they had much more energy than the US, and put pressure on the back line, causing some turnovers.  The US also had some lazy passes, rarely showing the quality of play they had against Cuba.

Showing utter cluelessness a number of US players lined up offsides on a free kick, and Ike Opara jumped early and his headed goal was negated.

GK Bill Hamid was extremely lazy on the first goal.  It was a corner, and he was backpedalling, waiting for the ball to drop to him, rather than going up to get it - and it was inside the 6-yd box!!!  Henry went up and got a head on it.  Inexcusable.

On the second goal Canada took a short corner, and Cavallini stopped his run in the middle of the box, getting separation from his defender, and headed the cross home.

The US had some chances, but GK Misiewicz played well.  Shots were even at 10, shots on goal at 5.  Canada had 6 corners to 5 for the US.

Stupid Canadian moment:  Randy Edwini-Bonsu subbed out at 94' and said something from the bench that earned him a red card at 95'.  On his way off the field, he continued to jaw and gave the arm "up yours" gesture.  That'll earn him at least another game of suspension.

CONCACAF highlights video link

US reaction video link

US Soccer recap

US Soccer El Salvador preview