As the CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer battle progresses, most people ask themselves whether the United States will continue to dominate in this great event. Over the years, the US has had an impressive run in the Gold Cup. Most people believe this team has what it takes to retain its top position this season. This can be seen from the team’s recent victories at the CONCACAF Nations League. On June 15, 2023, USMNT thrashed their arch-rivals, Mexico, 3-0 in the semi-final. Moreover, three days later, on June 18, 2023, they emphatically retained the Nations League title by comfortably winning 2-0 against Canada at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas.
The US has now lifted the region’s 3 international trophies, including the 2021 Gold Cup and the 2021 inaugural Nations League Finals. Winning over Canada and Mexico proves that the US is currently the best CONCACAF team. All these achievements come ahead of the much-awaited 2026 World Cup that will be hosted by this trio. In this article, we explore if the US will once again secure its top position at the 2023 Gold Cup.
The US Team’s Plan for the 2023 Gold Cup
Just as in 2021, the US entered the Gold Cup this year with a domestic-based roster. However, the major focus is on the team’s coach. On early June 16, 2023, US Men’s National Soccer Team confirmed the return of Gregg Berhalter as the head coach after his contract expired on 2022 New Year’s Eve.
The return of Berhalter has been warmly welcomed, as many fans now believe that the team’s victories are set to continue. This news has also made the team enjoy great winning odds on major betting platforms like Betway. However, his tenure will start in September. Therefore, B.J. Callaghan will continue managing the team and will be looking forward to adding the Gold Cup as part of his successes.
United States Team Players News
As mentioned earlier, most European-based players won’t be part of the USMNT’s roster this year. The players that were part of the Nations League finals, like Joe Scally, Weston McKennie, Sergio Dest, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Brenden Aaronson, Tim Weah, Yunus Musah, Luca de la Torre, Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulistic, Gio Reyna, and Ricardo Pepi won’t feature in the Gold Cup tournament. Furthermore, Captain Tyler Adams, Tim Ream, Zack Steffen, and Cameron Carter-Vickers will be out of action due to injury.
The absence of these amazing players can lower the odds of the USMNT. However, don’t be quick to write off this team because it faced the same challenge two years ago and still managed to beat Mexico 1-0 in the finals to get the trophy. The 2023 squad comprises 16 MLSers, and just 5 Europe-based players, with two being goalkeepers. This squad is expected to bring some fresh blood into the team and show the world that US-based teams also have great players with a perfect combination of experience and talent.
US Key Players to Watch Out for at the Gold Cup 2023
Matt Turner
In the previous two years, Matt Turner experienced an unprecedented rise, which started at the 2021 Gold Cup. Turner conceded one goal in six matches to become the star of the tournament. Besides lifting the trophy, he also earned the golden glove award.
Turner established his impressive goalkeeping status in the US by winning the Supporters’ Shield with the New England Revolution. He also started in 23 of the 30 competitive games played by the team. Last summer, he attained his lifelong dream by signing with Premier League’s renowned team Arsenal. He made seven appearances for the club in FA Cup and Europa League while maintaining four clean sheets. Matt Turner is expected to continue his remarkable journey and make the USMNT concede as few goals as possible in the 2023 Gold Cup Tournament.
Miles Robinson
Miles Robinson is another great 2023 Nations League player that will be gunning for the Gold Cup glory this year. Robinson established himself in USMNT history two summers ago by scoring an impressive towering header in the 117th minute against Mexico in the 2021 Gold Cup Final at Allegiant Stadium. After this great victory, he became a key player in the World Cup qualifiers as he started in 11 of 14 matches and only missed one due to suspension.
Unfortunately, after the US secured its spot for the World Cup, Robinson had an ACL injury on 7TH May 2023 while playing in MLS for Atlanta United against Chicago Fire. This injury forced him to miss more than nine months of action, including the Qatar World Cup. Robinson has since returned, and his performance is outstanding in the Major League Soccer. He is expected to lead the USMNT’s defense in the Gold Cup.
Jesús Ferreira
Another player to watch in the USMNT during the Gold Cup tournament is Jesús Ferreira. When playing against Grenada last June in the Nations League, Ferreira scored 4 of the 5 goals that cemented the US team’s victory in Austin. This made him the fifth USMNT player to score more than four goals in a single game. He joined the likes of Archie Stark, who achieved this feat in 1925 against Canada, Aldo Donelli in 1934 against Mexico, Joe-Max Moore in 1993 against El Salvador, and Landon Donovan in 2003 against Cuba.
Alongside his teammate Brandon Vazquez, Ferreira is anticipated to play a key role in the team’s success and contribute to the team’s pursuit of victory in the 2023 Gold Cup tournament.
In Summation
The Gold Cup tournament has already begun with thrilling action, and the USMNT is focusing on cementing its dominance against the other teams. The 1-1 draw with Jamaica hasn’t impressed both the team and its fans, but the six-goal thrashing of Saint Kitts and Nevis has proved that they are on track to clinch the title once again.
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