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The United States enjoyed a run last week at the big boys soccer table competing alongside Brazil and Spain in the Confederations Cup, which featured continental champions. Now it’s back to regional competition for the Americans as the North/Central American and Caribbean nations (CONCACAF) will compete for the Gold Cup. Play starts today and continues through July 26.
A look at the nations, games and storylines that will highlight this month’s tournament:The groups(In projected order of finish)Group ACosta RicaCanadaJamaicaEl SalvadorGroup BUnited StatesHondurasHaitiGrenadaGroup CMexicoPanamaNicaraguaGuadeloupeGames to watchSaturday, United States vs. Grenada: Certainly it should be a blowout for the U.S., but a Fourth of July appearance by the national team just seems so appropriate.July 19, Quarterfinals: Unless Mexico flops in unbelievable fashion during group play, "El Tri" will highlight a doubleheader in the first sporting event at the new Cowboys Stadium.July 26, The Final: The brackets are fixed for a U.S.-Mexico final. However, the U.S. finds a tougher road with Honduras in Group B play and a potential meeting against Costa Rica in the semifinals.Top three storylinesU.S. fatigue The American squad features a mix of A and B team players after the team returned from South Africa and the Confederations Cup. CONCACAF allowed the U.S. a 30-man roster compared to 23 for other nations to compensate for the travel/fatigue. In early group play, U.S. coach Bob Bradley likely will give some second-string players some action.Mexico’s legacy Mexico has fallen behind the U.S. as the region’s power. The fans in the soccer-mad nation have watched the Americans claim the past two Gold Cup titles and defeat Mexico in the 2002 World Cup. Mexico needs a significant victory to restore confidence in the program from which one coach already has been fired this year.The little guys Certainly, the U.S., Mexico and Costa Rica are locks to advance out of group play, but that leaves five more spots in the quarterfinals. The tiny island nations, whose teams are filled with day-jobbers and semipro players, often produce touching storylines. The Gold Cup also offers Major League Soccer coaches the opportunity to scout unknown talent from Central America and the Caribbean.Gold Cup history1991 USA wins the inaugural tournament1993 Mexico claims its first Gold Cup1996 Mexico repeats1998 Mexico grabs its third consecutive title2000 Canada finally adds a new winner2002 The United States grabs its second title2003 Mexico wins its fourth2005 The United States earns its third2007 The U.S. equals Mexico with four championshipsThe U.S. scheduleSat. U.S. vs. Grenada, 4 p.m., Qwest Field, Seattle; Fox Soccer Channel; TelefuturaWed. U.S. vs. Honduras, 8 p.m., RFK Stadium, Washington D.C.; Fox Soccer Channel; TelefuturaJuly 11 U.S. vs. Haiti, 6 p.m., Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.; Fox Soccer Channel; TelefuturaQuarterfinals July 18-19Semifinals July 23Finals July 26Online: www.goldcup.orgTobias Xavier Lopez, 817-390-7760
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