Canada makes Gold Cup quarterfinal after crushing Cuba
Canada qualified for the Gold Cup quarterfinals after capping Group A play with a 7-0 trouncing of Cuba on Sunday evening in Charlotte, N.C.
Mexico's 3-2 win over Martinique ensured a spot in the final eight for John Herdman's side.
Lucas Cavallini was an unstoppable presence in the first half. The Puebla striker scored three goals including a deft leaping backheel flick from a Jonathan David pass to make it 3-0. By the time Cavallini skied a second-half penalty following a galloping equine run-up, the scoreline was 5-0.
David now has three goals in the tournament after recording Canada's opener in the third minute. It was the earliest Canada has scored in its Gold Cup history, and for David, who completed his hat-trick in the 77th minute, that's now nine senior international goals in seven outings. Canada's all-time leading scorer Dwayne De Rosario tallied 22 goals in 81 caps.
It was the first time in Gold Cup history that two players recorded a treble for the same team in a match.
Junior Hoilett also scored for Canada, while 22-year-old Orlando City defender Kamal Miller was handed his international debut as a second-half substitute for Doneil Henry.
HEADLINES
- Messi shines again as MLS leaders Inter Miami overwhelm New England
- Euro leagues braced for big changes as lawsuit may open door to U.S. games
- Report: Canada contacts Solskjaer, Marsch after Mourinho rejects approach
- La Liga chief plans league matches in U.S. from 2025-26 season
- USWNT to take on Costa Rica in Olympic send-off