U.S. Men’s National Team vs. Jamaica
2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final
Wednesday, July 26 | 8:30 p.m. CT | FS1, Univisión, UDN
Levi's Stadium | Santa Clara, California
The Yanks are back in the finals.
Over the past month, the U.S. MNT has shown enough pieces of brilliance to land the squad in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Finals and a date with the “Reggae Boyz” of Jamaica.
The Americans come into this match undefeated in Gold Cup action and will try to stave off a Jamaica team that stole its semifinal match from Mexico with an 87th-minute free kick bender from Kemar Lawrence.
With a Gold Cup trophy on the line, here’s what you need to know heading into Wednesday’s showdown.
Zusi’s First Crack at a Title
Sporting KC defender Graham Zusi is searching for his first career Gold Cup title.
Zusi’ presence at right back has been crucial for U.S. MNT manager Bruce Arena. The Americans’ backline has only surrendered three goals during this Gold Cup, only one of which came during a match where Zusi was played.
Should the U.S. win, a Gold Cup title will be a great addition to Zusi’s international résumé that already includes a spot on the 50-cap list, as well as being in the top 25 on the all-time assist list in U.S. MNT history.
Besler Gets Chance at Second
Zusi’s Sporting KC teammate, Matt Besler, will be looking for his second Gold Cup title during his impressive international campaign.
Besler was a part of the 2013 Gold Cup-winning U.S. MNT squad. His role in the United States’ central defense was crucial in preserving a 1-0 clean sheet win in the Gold Cup Final against a talented Panama side. The match was decided in the 69th minute when Brek Shea, who came on as a substitute in the 68th minute, tapped in a goal that proved to be all the United States needed.
Besler, like Zusi, also has only been on the field for one surrendered goal during this year’s Gold Cup run. The veteran defender will be essential in slowing down a fast-paced Jamaican offense that can cause difficulties if not dealt with properly.
Difficult Task for American Forwards
On the other side of the pitch, the U.S. MNT forwards have a tough job of trying to get their shots past Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake.
Standing at 6-foot-4, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by Philadelphia Union recorded five massive saves in order to preserve a clean sheet against a strong Mexico team. Blake has been brilliant all tournament, and the combination of his reach and athleticism make him a nightmare for opposing attackers.
If the U.S. MNT want to come out of the tournament with its sixth Gold Cup trophy, its forwards will have to work hard to get their shots past Blake.
Familiar Faces
Historically, the U.S. MNT has dominated Jamaica, as the Reggae Boyz only come out with the upper hand two times dating back to the sides’ first international meeting in 1988.
That being said, the last time they met in a Gold Cup setting was one of those times where Jamaica came out victorious. The match came in the 2015 Gold Cup semifinals, with the winner to play Mexico in the finals. After scoring two goals within a five-minute span in the first half, Jamaica was able to put a halt to the Americans’ bid at a sixth straight appearance in the Gold Cup Final. This upcoming match will mark the 25th meeting between the U.S. and Jamaica.
USA Roster
Goalkeepers (3): Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Tim Howard (Colorado Rapids)
Defenders (8): Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca / MEX), Matt Hedges (FC Dallas), Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest / ENG), Matt Miazga (Chelsea / ENG), Justin Morrow (Toronto FC), Jorge Villafaña (Santos Laguna / MEX), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
Midfielders (8): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Paul Arriola (Club Tijuana / MEX), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana / MEX), Dax McCarty (Chicago Fire), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Chris Pontius (Philadelphia Union), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)
Forwards (4): Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution), Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC)
Jamaica Roster
Goalkeepers (3): Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union, USA); Damion Hyatt (Arnett Gardens FC, JAM); Dwayne Miller (Valsta Syrianska IK, SWE)
Defenders (8): Sergio Campbell (Pittsburgh Riverhounds, USA); Oniel Fisher (Seattle Sounders FC , USA); Rosario Harriott (Harbour View FC, JAM); Kemar Lawrence (New York Red Bulls, USA); Damion Lowe (Tampa Bay Rowdies, USA); Alvas Powell (Portland Timbers, USA); Ladale Richie (Montego Bay United FC, JAM); Jermaine Taylor (Minnesota United FC, USA)
Midfielders (6): Michael Binns (Portmore United FC, JAM); Shaun Francis (Montreal Impact, CAN); Ewan Grandison (Portmore United FC, JAM); Kevon Lambert (FK Vojvodina, SRB); Ricardo Morris (Portmore United FC, JAM); Je-Vaughn Watson (New England Revolution, USA)
Forwards (6): Cory Burke (Bethlehem Steel FC, USA); Owayne Gordon (Montego Bay United FC, JAM); Jermaine Johnson (Tivoli Gardens FC, JAM); Darren Mattocks (Portland Timbers, USA); Shamar Nicholson (Boys' Town FC, JAM); Romario Williams (Charleston Battery, USA)
