2013 Gold Cup

Apparently, CONCACAF has altered the format of the Gold Cup so that the winners of 2013 and 2015 will have a playoff to determine who represents the region at the 2017 Confed Cup in Russia. Thus, this summer's tournament has an increased importance for the USMNT.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/2013/04/upd ... hange.html

 

I like it since I don't like the "off years" (although I do like seeing some "B" or "C" players getting a chance like Holden or Goodson in 2009).

I also like that you can make four roster moves after the group stage, so you could rest a Dempsey/Donovan/Bradley during the group stage then bring them in for the really important games.

Also, should be interesting for Mexico since they already have qualifiers and the Confederations Cup this summer.

 

That is a fairly strong squad - remember, a Gold Cup victory this year equals a chance at the Confed Cup via a playoff with next year's winner.

 

I'll probably buck the trend and be interested.

 

The Gold Cup for US fans just got a whole lot more interesting as Landon Donovan has been named to the squad. LD has been saying all the right things, and this is the way to show everyone that he is sincere about getting back into the "A" squad.

 

No Boca on the final roster. Similar to Joe's post over in the Yanks Abroad thread about Dolo...I have to wonder if we've seen the last of Boca in a U.S. shirt (at least, in a competitive match). Hopefully JK will give both a proper sendoff in a friendly at some point. In any event :bow-yellow: and :greetings-clapyellow: for our captain.

 

Final squad (didnt see it posted above). Not naming Boca is a mistake, especially considering the only real defensive midfielder on the list is Beckerman. If that isnt a complete 180 from the rosters der kaiser normally names. I predict this will comeback to haunt us.

 

Who should the starting keeper be? I haven't seen much of any of them, so more informed minds must weigh in.

Glad Wondo is in, would've liked to have seen somebody like Mike Magee and Chris Pontius get a shot.

We OWE the Mexicans big time after the Rose Bowl fiasco.

 

If the World Cup was tomorrow, I would select Rimando as our third keeper, but I think Johnson or Hamid (Johnson slightly over Hamid) should get the reps in this tournament.

 

Boca needs to get his club situation straightened out, since playing in third division of Spain (Racing Santandor got relegated) isn't exactly ideal, and he is trying to find a better situation. Boca has had a great run, but it's the right decision no matter who the coach is.

With the new rule where the '13 and '15 Gold Cup winner will have a playoff for the '17 Confed Cup this is a perfect situation to go with the mix of players. I wish that Guzan could have stayed on, but totally understandable that he needs a break before going back to Villa.

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/14862 ... ut?cc=5901

 

His loan with Racing Santander is over so he is back with Rangers......who will be in the third division in Scotland next year, so not much better.

Taylor Twellman said during one of the U-20 games that he heard that Boca might return to MLS this summer (on a slight tangent, but sticking with 30-something central defenders, Clarence Goodson just signed with San Jose).

 

That is what I meant, the third tier.

 

Pretty good summation of our outlook, not just all about Landon. Worth a gander.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/jun/28/landon-donovan-usa-klinsmann-gold-cup

 

Waiting on the results so let's hope it's not serious, but you fear the worst when the words 'knee injury' are involved

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/14879 ... ay?cc=5901