Canada defender Steven Vitoria (5) and U.S. forward Gyasi Zardes (9) chase down the ball during the second half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - Shaq Moore scored 20 seconds in and the United States beat Canada 1-0 Sunday to win Group B at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Moore's goal was the fastest since U.S. records began in 1990. Clint Dempsey scored 30 seconds in against Ghana in the Americans' 2014 World Cup opener.
Both nations already were assured of advancing. The U.S. finished atop its first-round group with a 3-0 record and will play its quarterfinal on July 25 at Arlington, Texas, against Costa Rica or Jamaica, both 2-0 going into their match Tuesday at Orlando, Florida. Canada finished the first round 2-1 and also will play Costa Rica or Jamaica.
The U.S. ended Canada's team record eight-game winning streak. The U.S. is unbeaten against Canada in 20 home matches since 1957 and extended its winning streak against CONCACAF opponents to 13.
U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter is using a mostly junior varsity roster for the Gold Cup. Top players such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Zack Steffen will be on hand in when the U.S. hosts Canada in a World Cup qualifier on Sept. 5 at Nashville, Tennessee.
While Berhalter started two forwards in Daryl Dike and Gyasi Zardes, Canada dominated possession and had more scoring chances. Still, the U.S. improved to 38 wins, one loss and four draws in the Gold Cup group stage.
The U.S. scored when Kellyn Acosta passed wide to Sebastian Lletget, who one-timed a pass to the far post. The 24-year-old Moore got behind Tajon Buchanon and redirected the ball in from just inside the 6-yard box for his first international goal.
Walker Zimmerman captained the U.S. for the second straight game but hurt his right hamstring early and was replaced by Donovan Pines in the 15th minute.
After fielding a starting lineup against Martinique that averaged 23 years, 84 days, the Americans' youngest in a competitive match since at least 1989, U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter changed four starters by inserting Sam Vines, Lletget, Acosta and Zardes.
Ayo Akinola started for Canada after making his debut against Haiti on Thursday, but he got hurt and was replaced by Jonathan Osorio in the 24th minute. The 21-year-old Akinola scored for the U.S. against El Salvador in his debut in December, then changed affiliation.
Matt Turner made saves against Cyle Larin in the 48th and Buchanon, his New England Revolution teammate, in the 48th. Reggie Cannon, recovered from a hamstring injury, made his first appearance of the tournament when he replaced Moore at right back in the 58th.
In Group A, Mexico beat El Salvador 1-0 at Dallas on Luis RodrÃguez's 26th-minute goal to win Group A with two wins and a draw.
Mexico will play its quarterfinal on July 24 in Glendale, Arizona, against the second-place team from Group D: Honduras, Panama or invited guest Qatar. El Salvador will play the Group D winner.
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United States forward Gyasi Zardes (9) and Canada defender Steven Vitoria (5) go up for the ball during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
Canada midfielder Samuel Piette (6) is pressured U.S. midfielder Sebastian Lletget (17) during the second half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
United States forward Gyasi Zardes (9) chases down the ball as Canada midfielder Samuel Piette (6) defends during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
United States soccer fans react before a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match against Canada in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
U.S. forward Daryl Dike (11) and Canada defender Steven Vitoria go up for the ball during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
U.S. midfielder Sebastian Lletget (17) is held back by Canada midfielder Jonathan Osorio (21) during the second half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (16) grabs a corner kick away from U.S. forward Daryl Dike (11) during the second half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
Fans celebrate the United States' 1-0 win over Canada in a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
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U.S. fans stand for the national anthem before the team's CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match against Canada in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
Referee Said Martinez separates El Salvador forward Joaquin Rivas, left, and Mexico defender Hector Moreno (15) during a CONCACAF Group A soccer match, Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Dallas. Mexico won 1-0. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
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El Salvador goalkeeper Mario Gonzalez (1) blocks a shot by Mexico midfielder Orbelin Pineda (10) during a CONCACAF Group A soccer match, Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Dallas. Mexico won 1-0. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
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Mexico defender Hector Moreno (15) blocks a shot by El Salvador forward Joshua Perez (8) during a CONCACAF Group A soccer match, Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Dallas. Mexico won 1-0. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
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Mexico forward Jesus Corona (17) battles El Salvador defender Ronald Gomez (5) for the ball during a CONCACAF Group A soccer match, Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Dallas. Mexico won 1-0. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
The Associated Press
Mexico defender Luis Rodriguez (21) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during a CONCACAF Group A soccer match against El Salvador, Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
The Associated Press