The United States men’s national team became the favorite to win the Gold Cup when Bruce Arena called up more than 500 caps worth of experience after the group stage, but there’s one group that wasn’t improved at all by the legendary MLS coach, and that’s defense.
So while Michael Bradley and Tim Howard certainly help the unit take shape and Darlington Nagbe, Clint Dempsey, and Jozy Altidore all improve the side’s speed, passing, and creativity, no move was made to help a back line that’s done anything but thrive in this tournament.
Most of this is not Arena’s fault. John Brooks, DeAndre Yedlin, and Geoff Cameron were given time to focus on their European careers, and “next batch” backs Tim Ream and Timothy Chandler fit into that overseas bunch as well.
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That doesn’t change the fact that the easy weakness for the USMNT right now has a big chance to be exposed by opponents Jamaica, who -- as funny as this sounds -- are possibly a worse match-up for the Yanks than the side it upset in Mexico’s ‘B Teamers’.
While player ratings are far from the be-all, end-all, we’ve had two writers handle the Americans’ five matches of Gold Cup. Here are the ratings for the eight backs on the roster by appearance.
Jorge Villafana -- 6.5, 5, 6; Omar Gonzalez -- 6, 5, 7, 5; Matt Miazga -- 7; Matt Besler -- 7.5, 6, 8; Eric Lichaj -- 5, 7; Justin Morrow -- 6, 5; Graham Zusi -- 6, 5.5, 4; Matt Hedges -- 5, 5.
Only Besler has avoided a dud so far, and keep in mind that Arena has not subbed a back in the tournament and also loves Gonzalez.
[ WAYBACK: How U.S. lost to Jamaica in 2015 Gold Cup semi ]
Dealing with speedy Jamaica is a challenge for a group that’s looked pretty mixed up when it comes to dealing with counter attacks. This is especially challenging for one player, Matt Hedges, who is better suited for teams that want to attack through the air.
As for the midfielders and forwards, remember that Arena pulled Paul Arriola after 66 minutes in the semifinal and let Darlington Nagbe and Jordan Morris go all 90.
Considering all that, here’s how Arena may try to win the Gold Cup and put one American foot in Qatar for the 2021 Confederations Cup (That’s still happening, by the way).
Howard
Lichaj -- Gonzalez -- Besler -- Villafana
Bradley -- McCarty
Arriola -- Corona -- Zardes
Altidore
As a bonus, here’s how we think the subs may play out given player use in the run-up to the final. Call this between the 65-80 minute marks, and it can work with the lead or pushing for an equalizer or winner:
Howard
Lichaj -- Gonzalez -- Besler -- Villafana
Acosta/Pontius -- Bradley -- McCarty -- Nagbe
Altidore -- Morris