Cup controversy binds Canadians

June 22, 2007

Canada's men's soccer team has vowed that good will come out of its heartbreak at the Gold Cup tournament.

The Canadians were ousted in a controversial 2-1 loss to the United States in the semifinals Thursday night in Chicago, after a goal by Atiba Hutchinson was disallowed when a linesman ruled it offside even though Hutchinson clearly appeared to be onside.

The distraught Canadians complained bitterly to the referees after the match.

This wasn't the first time the Canadians have been at odds with Archundia. The referee called two late fouls against Canada in a World Cup qualifier against Honduras on Sept. 4, 2004. The official awarded Honduras a penalty kick which led to the game-tying goal. Then, a potential go-ahead goal by Canadian Olivier Occean was negated by a second foul and the game ended 1-1.