Pineda, Diaz and Blake headline Quarterfinals Best XI

MIAMI. - Fans in the region were gifted four thrilling quarterfinal matches in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, with a number of top individual performances standing out from the opening round of knockout contests.

Here’s a look at the Gold Cup quarterfinals best XI:

GK Andre Blake (JAM) - Blake was critical for Jamaica, keeping a clean sheet against Guatemala, as the Reggae Boyz moved to the semifinals. He ended the night with six saves in the 1-0 quarterfinal victory.

DF Jorge Sanchez (MEX) - Matched up against Costa Rica’s wide players, Sanchez had a busy Saturday, making six tackles and winning 16 duels from his right back slot in El Tricolor’s 2-0 win.

DF Harold Cummings (PAN) — The anchor of Panama’s back three, Cummings made seven clearances as Panama shut out Qatar. He also started attacks from the back (completing 96% of his passes) and even put an entry pass into the final third.

DF Amari’i Bell (JAM) - From his fullback position, Bell got into the box and scored the only goal of Jamaica’s 1-0 victory over Guatemala. He also put in a strong defensive effort, with four ball recoveries to help the Reggae Boyz keep a clean sheet.

MF Edgar Yoel Barcenas (PAN) — An early goal from Barcenas took the pressure off Panama, which eventually moved past Qatar with a 4-0 win. In addition to his 19th-minute finish, Barcenas created two chances and helped on the defensive end with seven recoveries.

MF Gianluca Busio (USA) — Busio got into great spaces for the U.S. all night against Canada, creating three chances and putting three shots on target. He also converted his kick in the penalty shootout that pushed the U.S. into the semifinals.

MF Adalberto Carrasquilla (PAN) — Dominant in the midfield, Carrasquilla also got involved in Panama’s scoring blitz, sending a beautiful pass forward that turned into the first goal of Ismael Diaz’s hat trick.

MF Orbelin Pineda (MEX) — One of Mexico’s most dangerous attackers all night against Costa Rica, Pineda stepped up to the penalty spot and converted his kick to give El Tricolor a 1-0 advantage in a game it eventually won 2-0.

FW Erick Sanchez (MEX) — Mexico took control of the game in the second half, thanks in no small part to Sanchez. He came in for Pachuca teammate Luis Chavez in the 70th minute and scored Mexico’s winning goal off a pass from fellow substitute Roberto Alvarado in the 87th minute.

FW Ismael Diaz (PAN) - After scoring in the final group match against El Salvador, Diaz did even more in the quarterfinals. He scored three goals over the course of nine minutes in the second half for Panama in a 4-0 win over Qatar, the fastest hat trick in Concacaf Gold Cup history.

FW Demarai Gray (JAM) — Gray continues his hot streak in the Gold Cup, adding another assist with a seeing-eye pass to Amari’i Bell for the lone goal in Jamaica’s quarterfinal clash with Guatemala.