The United States assured itself of a spot in the qaurterfinals of the Gold Cup with a 2-0 win over Canada in Seattle.
The Americans, 18-0-0 all-time in Gold Cup group play, took the lead in the 48th minute when Canada defender Atiba Hutchinson accidentally headed a John OÆBrien pass into his own net. Landon Donovan secured the victory in extra time with his 25th career goal, putting him in sole possession of third place all-time in menÆs national team history. The goal was his eighth in Gold Cup play, tying him for second all-time with Brian McBride and one behind leader Eric Wynalda.
''I think it was another challenging game,'' said U.S. coach Bruce Arena. ''Canada had a good game plan as they defended very well and made it difficult for us. Obviously, the first goal was fortunate and I think weÆre at fault in the second half for not getting the second goal earlier. We played much better in the second half and overall it was not a bad performance on our part. After two games weÆre pleased that we were able to start 22 players as that was one of our objectives.''
The U.S. next faces Costa Rica, also 2-0-0 following its 3-1 win against Cuba in the first match of the Qwest Field doubleheader, in a battle for first place. Kickoff at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., is set for 7 p.m. ET (TV: Telefutura, live).
GAME REPORT:
July 9 in Seattle
USA 2 Canada 0. Goals: own goal 48, Donovan 90+.
USA — Keller, Cherundolo, Pope (Conrad, 46), Onyewu, Vanney, Mastroeni, Ralston, Donovan, O'Brien (Beasley, 67), Wolff, Noonan (Armas, 81)
Canada — Sutton, Braz, Gervais, Hutchinson, Simpson, Bernier, Leduc (Peters, 68), Serioux, Brennan (Grande, 79), De Rosario, Occean (Gerba, 70).
Yellow cards: USA — Mastroeni 75, Onyewu 92+; Canada — De Rosario 23, Serioux 25, Serioux 82.
Red card: Canada — Serioux 82.
Referee: Neil Brizan (Trin. & Tobago).
Att.: 15,109.
STATS:
Shots: USA 13, Canada 5.
Saves: USA 2, Canada 3.
Corner Kicks: USA 7, Canada 2.
Fouls: USA 15, Canada 15.
Offside: USA 0, Canada 2.