Following Sporting Kansas City defender Graham Zusi’s first Gold Cup title, he was selected to the CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI team. Zusi is one of six Americans to be selected to the team, and joins Omar Gonzalez as the only American defenders on the list.
Zusi appeared in four games during the U.S. MNT’s Gold Cup title run, and helped the American defense to be troublesome for opposing teams. In his four appearances, teams were only able to net two goals. Zusi helped contribute to two shutouts during his stretch, playing all four matches alongside Sporting KC teammate Matt Besler. The Nats’ backline surrendered less than three shots on target in three of the four matches where Zusi started.
Zusi, like Besler, received the start and played all 90 minutes in the Gold Cup final match against Jamaica.
The recognition adds to an already impressive international résumé for Zusi that includes 53 caps (a feat that less than 50 American players have) and a spot in the top 25 on the all-time assist leaderboard in American soccer history.
2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI
Goalkeeper: Andre Blake (Jamaica)
Defenders: Graham Zusi (USA), Kemar Lawrence (Jamaica), Jermaine Taylor (Jamaica), Omar Gonzalez (USA)
Midfielders: Michael Bradley (USA), Jesús Dueñas (Mexico), Darlington Nagbe (USA) Alfonso Davies (Canada)
Forwards: Jordan Morris (USA), Jozy Altidore (USA)
