ASN: 4 Storylines to Monitor in U.S.-Jamaica Cup Remaining

Each squads are bolstered by robust goalkeeping. The bodily battles within the midfield shall be pivotal. And Clint Dempsey might have landed himself a brand new position on the crew: wily super-sub.

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
July 24, 2017
2:00 PM

SHARE THIS STORY

IN THE END, CONCACAF is not going to get the ultimate it needed. Mexico fell to Jamaica on Sunday night time in Pasadena, so will probably be the Reggae Boyz who will face off in opposition to the US in Wednesday’s last at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

The US and Mexico used to fulfill pretty frequently within the Gold Cup Remaining—together with three successive occasions in 2007, 2009, and 2011. The assembly in 2011, nonetheless, was the final time the area’s prime two groups—and bitter rivals—have met within the Gold Cup and CONCACAF will now need to hope 2019 will break the streak.

That mentioned, this last may develop into a superb one. This Gold Cup had been lackluster via the quarterfinals however each semifinals high quality soccer and loads of drama.

Jamaica earned its upset win over Mexico with a implausible effort. Goalkeeper Andre Blake got here up with a sequence of huge saves and is among the greatest gamers in your entire match. However Jamaica created a number of probabilities, pressured turnovers, and performed like the higher crew for lengthy stretches.

The US is coming off its greatest sport of the match—a 2-0 win over Costa Rica—that featured strong all-around play and several other excellent performances. Listed below are a few of the dominant storylines for the regional championship.

Tim Howard vs. Andre Blake

Since becoming a member of the Yanks after the group phases, Tim Howard has been flawless for the US. He has but to concede a objective and he responded effectively at a number of key moments. Towards El Salvador, he bailed out Eric Lichaj after a nasty turnover. Towards Costa Rica, he made two very important close-range saves on Marco Ureña.

Now 38, Tim Howard is approaching the top of his profession. On the opposite aspect you could have Andre Blake who’s in his prime at 26 and resides as much as the expectations positioned on him when he was the primary total decide within the 2014 MLS draft.

Final yr he was chosen because the MLS Goalkeeper of the 12 months (though Philadelphia crashed out of the playoffs within the first spherical). On the Gold Cup, he has been a difference-maker.

Beating both Howard or Blake shall be a really troublesome problem and these two gamers could have an enormous say as to which crew lifts the Gold Cup Wednesday night time.

Does Clint Dempsey Have a New Position?

Clint Dempsey got here off the bench on Saturday and fully modified the sport. He assisted on Jozy Altidore’s first objective after which scored the sport’s second, his 57th profession strike, tying him with Landon Donovan as the US’ all-time main scorer. Dempsey can transfer previous Donovan on the large stage of the Gold Cup last.

It was not stunning that Dempsey come off the bench in opposition to Jamaica: Given his age and well being points, beginning him thrice in per week is a bit a lot. We should always anticipate to see one thing comparable in subsequent yr’s World Cup—assuming the Yanks qualify—as a result of the video games come shortly and Dempsey shall be 35-years-old. As his minutes decline, nonetheless, Dempsey appears to grasp the position primarily based on how he was in a position to change the sport in opposition to Costa Rica.

“It’s always difficult three days after playing 90 minutes to start and try play another 90 minutes at 34,” Dempsey mentioned. “Bruce told me that he knew the game was going to be difficult but in the second half it would open up. He thought I could be someone to come on and make a difference. He was right.”

That doesn’t imply Dempsey’s days as a starter are over. He may get the nod on Wednesday. However he could possibly be a fantastic weapon off the bench, the type of participant opposing defenders do not wish to see as their legs begin to get heavier.

“It’s definitely a luxury to bring in a guy who is looking to break the record—one of our all-time best players we’ve ever produced—to bring him off the bench when he still has something to give to us,” Altidore mentioned on Saturday. “I think that’s pretty big.” 

Jamaica’s athleticism will check the U.S.

Jamaica raised its sport late within the second half in opposition to Mexico, leaning on its spectacular athleticism to take the lead and shut out the outcome. The good free kick objective that New York Purple Bulls proper again Kemar Lawrence scored to win the sport was not in opposition to the run of play—it had been coming.

The Reggae Boyz pressured Mexico into loads of turnovers within the central midfield, resulting in quite a few counterattacks that would have resulted in a lopsided scoreline. Damian Lowe had a large open header within the field that pressured an enormous save. Minutes later, Omar Gordon delivered a robust shot from contained in the field but it surely flew straight to El Tri goalkeeper Jesus Corona.

Michael Bradley could have an enormous accountability not simply in avoiding turnovers but additionally making an attempt to extinguish counterattacks earlier than they start. Bradley’s central midfield companion isn’t but identified— Darlington Nagbe may play centrally or out on the wings. Area can be very eager on Kellyn Acosta who had good sport in opposition to Costa Rica.

However avoiding any type of footraces with Jamaica can be key. Darren Mattocks and Co. are a quick crew. Maybe Area will bought with a 4-2-3-1 to beef up the crew’s midfield presence.

It doesn’t matter what, the U.S. goes to have to carry the ball, preserve possession, and keep away from dumb turnovers. If it does that, will probably be in fine condition.

Will Acosta, Morris, Arriola emerge?

It’s laborious to understate the chance that Wednesday presents to a handful of unproven U.S. gamers. One decade in the past Benny Feilhaber produced a surprising objective in opposition to Mexico that gave the U.S. a 2-1 win over its rival and booked a spot within the 2009 Confederations Cup. Earlier than that sport, Feilhaber was principally unknown however after that sport he grew to become a key cog in Bob Bradley’s groups—all over the 2010 World Cup.

It stays to be seen if Wednesday will give us one other Feilhaber-like second that elevates the standing of a youthful participant. If it does occur, I consider it’s more likely to come from both Kellyn Acosta, Jordan Morris, or Paul Arriola. These three gamers have been rising into the U.S. squad in current months though it’s unsure if any of them would begin—and even make the total crew—if all the highest gamers can be found

Morris faces competitors from Dempsey, Altidore, Bobby Wooden, Juan Agudelo, Dom Dwyer, and probably others. Arriola is a speedy winger however Christian Pulisic can play there as can Alejandro Bedoya, Kelyn Rowe, Kenny Saief, and Gyasi Zardes. In the meantime, Acosta has had a fantastic 2017 however he has to struggle off Dax McCarty, Danny Williams, Alfredo Morales, Sebastian Lletget, and Jermaine Jones.

Nonetheless, all three gamers shall be seeking to do one thing particular in opposition to the Reggae Boyz on Wednesday.