SBI USMNT Man of the Match: Gianluca Busio

The U.S. men’s national team didn’t deliver its A-game against Canada on Sunday night, but Gianluca Busio was one of the key bright spots in B.J. Callaghan’s squad.

Busio scored from his penalty kick opportunity, helped set up the tying goal, and delivered a strong two-way performance in the USMNT’s 3-2 shootout victory over Canada in the Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals. The Venezia midfielder earned SBI Man of the Match honors after grinding out a stellar performance on both ends of the field at TQL Stadium.

Busio was all over the place for the USMNT, holding his own against Canada’s aggressive midfield. The 21-year-old created three offensive chances, drew a match-high six fouls, won 11 of his 19 duels, and registered three shots on target out of eight in total.

With the USMNT needing a late equalizer to force a penalty shootout, Busio’s right-footed shot in the box eventually ended up in the back of Dayne St. Clair’s net. St. Clair denied Busio’s shot, but the deflection ricocheted off of Scott Kennedy and landed into an empty net.

Busio’s number was called in the shootout and the midfielder proceeded to roof his shot into the top-right corner past a diving St. Clair. The USMNT would outlast Canada 3-2 and book its return to the semifinals for a showdown with Panama on Wednesday in San Diego.

Busio edged out James Sands, DeJuan Jones, and Matt Turner for Man of the Match honors.

What did you think of Busio’s performance? Do you see his stock continuing to improve this summer?

Share your thoughts below.