The American saved the final shot of the game as the Toffees held on for a victory to advance to the semifinals of the Guinness International Champions Cup.
Tim Howard made a clutch save as Everton held on to a penalty-kick victory over Juventus following a 1-1 draw in the Guinness International Champions Cup at AT&T Park on Wednesday night.
The U.S. international goalkeeper was the late hero for the
Premier League side, stopping Federico Peluso on the two-time reigning Serie A champion's sixth and final penalty attempt. Andrea Pirlo had missed Juve's potential winner on the previous shot
In a battle between two teams with new looks entering their European seasons, Kevin Mirallas opened the scoring in the 60th minute. Twenty minutes later, Kwadwo Asamoah tied up the ICC first-round matchup.
Juventus will face either the LA Galaxy or Real Madrid in the next round.
Juve featured some new faces as Carlos Tevez, who moved to Italy from Manchester City earlier this summer, figured in the starting lineup. He started next to fellow new signing, Spanish striker Fernando Llorente. Angelo Ogbonna featured in the center defense following his move from Torino.
Meanwhile, coach Roberto Martinez's continued his preseason run with Everton after taking over for new Manchester United coach David Moyes.
After a goalless first half, Everton snagged a deserved lead when Victor Anichebe and Darron Gibson's good work in midfield allowed Mirallas to burst in from the right wing and score.
Juventus equalized with 10 minutes remaining as Asamoah brilliantly thrashed Mirko Vucinic's cut-back into the top corner.
In the 90th minute, Everton had the best chance to win the match with Ross Barkley's swerving strike from long range forcing Storari into an unorthodox save with his knees.
Marco Storari saved Everton's opening penalty to give Juventus the advantage in the shootout but after a string of successful spot kicks, Pirlo pulled his wide to ensure sudden-death penalties.
After successful efforts from Stones, Marco Motta and Bryan Oviedo, Howard got two hands to Peluso's effort and Everton claimed the win.
No comments:
Post a Comment