Ahead of the 2017 CONCAFAF Gold Cup, SportingKC.com caught up with Goal.com's Jon Arnold to preview the tournament. The U.S. Men's National Team (featuring Sporting KC's Matt Besler, Graham Zusi, and Dom Dwyer) opens the tournament on Saturday, July 8 against Panama. A full schedule, including broadcast info, is available here.
Are the USA the favorites to win this tournament? What do you think of their chances?
I don't think so. When you look at the team Costa Rica is bringing to the Gold Cup, it's among their most experienced group and, for me, looks like the favorite to lift their first Gold Cup. That said, soccer in the United States has grown enough to the point where a depth group of American players is going to be one of the better squads in the region. If the U.S. meets Costa Rica in the semifinal, there's no reason they couldn't get past the Ticos and go on to win the whole thing, especially if Bruce Arena brings some of the veterans from his provisional roster.
Mexico just recently competed in the Confederations Cup. How strong is their squad for this tournament and what are their chances to win this tournament?
Like the United States' team, Mexico's depth is good enough to have the "B team' beat most CONCACAF teams' best. Losing forward Alan Pulido to injury was a huge blow with a lot of pressure now on replacement Erick "Cubo" Torres' shoulders. I think the group is easy enough for Mexico to win and from there the path is set for El Tri to make the final.
Sporting KC forward Dom Dywer scored in his debut for the USMNT. What impact could he have during the Gold Cup?
Dwyer is a nice addition because of the havoc he can cause in the box and that left foot that packs so much power. Sometimes in the Gold Cup teams are just sitting back and waiting for you to break them. I think the SKC forward is perfect for helping the U.S. do just that.
What challenges could the USMNT face during the group stage against Panama, Martinique, and Nicaragua?
Panama also has brought a young team, choosing to give veterans like Blas Perez, Roman Torres and Jaime Penedo rest and also bring through a new generation of players that show a lot of promise. With respect to Martinique and Nicaragua, both are happy to be at the Gold Cup but might find it tough to mount a serious challenge against the U.S.
The USMNT roster features several new faces (including Dwyer). What player are you most interested in watching during this tournament?
I'm excited to see Kellyn Acosta continue to work in the midfield, no matter who his partner ends up being. I think he's finding a lot of comfort there despite being just 21 and is a player who might be able to make a case for playing more in World Cup qualification and perhaps even work into the starting XI for Russia.
Who are some other players watch in this tournament?
Keep an eye on Edgar Barcenas from Panama, Yeltsin Teleda in the middle of Costa Rica's midfield, Juan Barrera of Nicaragua and Elson Hooi of Curacao.