ASN: 7 Causes Why the Gold Cup Is Price Watching

Nonetheless questioning whether or not to concentrate to the 2013 match? Cease questioning and begin watching. The Gold Cup is compelling for a number of causes, and ASN’s John Godfrey counts them out right here.

BY

John Godfrey

Posted
July 09, 2013
4:21 PM

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1. Victory Equals Half a Journey to Russia

Till not too long ago, Gold Cups was like Baldwin brothers—you might ignore at the very least half of them.

However due to a latest format change, this incarnation of the biannual match actually issues. Up to now, tournaments that occurred throughout the identical yr because the Confederations Cup paid minimal dividends. These days are over. The 2013 Gold Cup champion will sq. off in opposition to the winner of the 2015 match in a one-game playoff to find out who represents the CONCACAF area within the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.

Federations wish to play in that match. Coaches need it. Gamers need it.

And due to this you could be sure that passions might be working excessive this summer season, particularly after we attain the later phases of the match.

2. It’s the Starting of the Finish for Landon

Neglect about his vacation in Cambodia, the Landon-less loss to Honduras in San Pedro Sula, and Klinsmann’s dangerous resolution to go away Donovan off the roster for the three June World Cup qualifiers.

This cycle feels prefer it’s Landon’s final.

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The 30-year-old model of Donovan struggled together with his ardour for soccer and spoke candidly about being too drained—too burned out on the sport—to play. Think about how the midfielder will really feel at 36, which is how previous he might be when the 2018 video games kick off in Russia.

Donovan is likely one of the prime three or 4 soccer gamers in U.S. historical past, and I’ve little question that he’ll claw his method again onto the 2014 World Cup crew. However there is no such thing as a method Donovan slogs by one other four-year cycle.

That is it. Let’s get pleasure from it whereas we will.

3. Portland Followers Will Placed on a Present

Keep in mind the outrageous present of help the U.S. males’s crew obtained within the Hex match in opposition to Panama in Seattle?

Portland followers bear in mind, and so they’ll be decided to outshout, out-clap, and out-intimidate their Pacific Northwest neighbors when Belize performs the Individuals at Jeld-Wen Stadium Tuesday night time (11 p.m., Fox Soccer).
Anticipate a spectacle.

4. This “B” Workforce Can Carry It

American Gold Cup rosters haven’t at all times impressed awe—particularly throughout the “off” years of the match when there was no Confederations Cup payoff on the finish of the highway.

However this yr’s squad includes a compelling mixture of veterans preventing to hold on (or come again), and up-and-coming gamers seeking to make a optimistic impression. There needs to be loads of storylines to complement the rating sheets.

And it’s not simply the Landon Donovan Redemption Story or the Stuart Holden Comeback Story or the Damarcus Beasley Really feel-Good Particular both.

Veteran defenders Oguchi Onyewu and Clarence Goodson could possibly be on their method out of the nationwide crew image, and also you get the sense they each understand it. It’s time for them to step up or step apart.

LigaMX midfielders Joe Corona and Jose Torres could also be caught behind the likes of Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones on the U.S. depth chart, however throughout the Gold Cup they need to have an opportunity to strut their stuff past the occasional mop-up look. It will likely be enjoyable to see what they do with the chance.

Alejandro Bedoya has by no means proven a lot in 15 nationwide appearances. Is he able to shine? Is Combine Diskerud a too-tender expertise or a mild genius on the ball? And what about this Jack McInerney man?

Even when there’s a blowout or two, the intra-squad machinations might be enjoyable to look at.

5. Mexico Is a Mess

There isn’t any different option to say it: El Tri, the undisputed bully of CONCACAF lately, is reeling.

The coach, Jose Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre, has led his gamers to precisely two wins in 13 matches this yr. Mexico has performed six World Cup qualifiers in 2013 and has solely secured one victory. And on Sunday, Mexico misplaced to Panama within the opening day of the Gold Cup.

For American followers who suffered by Mexico’s 5-0 Gold Cup remaining victory within the Meadowlands in 2009, that is all catnip. For many who watched Mexico win the 2011 Gold Cup within the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, there is no such thing as a pity.

What occurs this yr? U.S. supporters might be watching.

6. The Minnows Are Making Noise

Gold Cup Day One outcomes:

Martinique 1, Canada 0.

Panama 2, Mexico 1.

Extra, please.

7. Jack Mac within the Assault

Is there a extra thrilling participant in Main League Soccer?

Is there a extra promising American participant who remains to be not legally capable of order a beer in a U.S. bar?

Jack McInerney made the 23-man Gold Cup roster, and if/when he comes onto the pitch for the Stars and Stripes, American followers will roar in unison.

We are able to’t wait.

John Godfrey is the founder and editor in chief of American Soccer Now.