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The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup kicked off this weekend, giving us a look at new faces and teams.
Gold Cup Group A
French Guiana v Canada
Canada and French Guiana opened the tournament up with a 4-2 thriller.
What We Learned
Alphonso Davies showed himself to the world, scoring twice in his Gold Cup debut. We also can’t forget to mention that he’s only 16-years-old, which made him the youngest scorer in the tournament’s history.
Alphonso Davies hizo historia al convertirse en el jugador más joven en marcar un gol en #CopaOro2017. #GUF 0-3 #CAN pic.twitter.com/TT48a2cEn4
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) July 8, 2017
The young man’s play on the left wing and brace earned him the attention of Costa Rica, who Canada play in the next set of match.
Honduras v Costa Rica
Costa Rica and Honduras provided another hard fought and entertaining game.
Marco Urena provided the only score of the game, giving Costa Rica a 1-0 victory.
What We Learned
Costa Rica comes in as a favorite to win this group and at least make a semi-final. In fact, Los Ticos have not made a Gold Cup semifinal since 2009.
Honduras provided a tough match-up and came close to scoring multiple times. Goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton was key in keeping Honduras scoreless, coming up with three crucial saves.
Another thing to keep in mind. Costa Rica’s Joel Campbell was subbed in at the 35th minute and the game changed quite a bit. He added a much needed depth to the attack.
Going Forward
#GoldCup2017 Group A Standings
1. #CAN, 3 Pts
2. #CRC, 3 Pts
3. #HON, 0 Pts
4. #GUF, 0 Ptshttps://t.co/8xRcSFoKe5— The AOSN (@TheAOSNcom) July 8, 2017
As mentioned earlier, Costa Rica is projected to win this group.
With the action earlier in the day and their result vs Honduras, things may get a little hazy.
Canada and French Guiana proved they could go on scoring runs, and may surprise Costa Rica. Nonetheless, Costa Rica’s experience and lineup may be enough to push them through.
Gold Cup Group B
United States v Panama
Group B started play in what was likely a showdown between the teams that will finish in first and second.
What We Learned
The United States walked out with a point, but one could not help but feel like they came up short. Panama kept the US on their toes all game, putting up a more lethal attack.
Dom Dwyer has played a significant key since obtaining his US citizenship and joining the USMNT. The Cuckfield, UK born forward scored the only goal for the US and will look to continue to anchor the American attack.
Miguel Camargo tied it up for Panama, ending the scoring for a 1-1 draw.
Martinique v Nicaragua
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This match-up was definitely overlooked the most in Group B. Martinique gave us a taste of what the small island of 386,000 could.
What We Learned
The small island nation of Martinique’s best finish in the Gold Cup is 6th (2002), which is the only time they’ve made it out of the group stage.
Nicaragua put up a strong fight, creating scoring opportunities but couldn’t get through.
Martinique, on the other hand, was led by all-time leading scorer Kevin Parsemain, who drew first blood. The offensive attack and poise on defense earned them a 2-0 victory.
Things don’t look good for Nicaragua, with their toughest opposition ahead.
Going Forward
#GoldCup2017 Group B Standings
1. #MTQ, 3 Pts
2. #PAN, 1 Pt
3. #USA, 1 Pt
4. #NCA, 0 Ptshttps://t.co/8xRcSFoKe5— The AOSN (@TheAOSNcom) July 9, 2017
Martinique is on top of Group B with three points. The United States will come for the top spot as both teams go head-to-head on Wednesday in Tampa, Florida.
Panama has a clean opportunity to get ahead in Group B as they go up against Nicaragua.
Gold Cup Group C
Curacao v Jamaica
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This was one of the more interesting match-ups going into this weekend. Curacao was playing in their first Gold Cup ever, earning the spot by winning their first Caribbean Cup title.
What We Learned
Jamaica ended up winning this match 2-0 but Curacao put together a worthy effort.
Curacao led with 57% possession and 21 shots. They tied Jamaica with six shots on goal.
This signifies the attempts Curacao were willing to take, which is respectable. Jamaica was just superior in their finishing power.
With the victory, Jamaica put themselves in good position vs Mexico, who they play on Wednesday. Curacao play El Salvador, which could make up for another interesting match-up and may decide who ends up in the Group C cellar.
Mexico v El Salvador
Mexico went into this game as heavy favorites. Despite a shaky first half, Mexico ran away with three points.
What We Learned
Like the Mexico “A-Team”, this Gold Cup squad started slowly. El Salvador started the game pushing towards Mexico’s penalty box.
Then Mexico got off to a dream start when Hedgardo Marin scored in the eighth minute. It was short lived as El Salvador’s Nelson Bonilla put in the equalizer in the 10th minute.
Mexico later put it away with a beautiful strike from Elias Hernandez in the 29th minute and Orbelin Pineda in the 55th.
El Salvador put a scare early but didn’t have enough to keep up their play for 90 minutes.
Going Forward
Group C Standings
1. #MEX, 3 Pts
2. #JAM, 3 Pts
3. #CUW, 0 Pts
4. #SLV, 0 Pts#GoldCup2017 https://t.co/8xRcSFoKe5— The AOSN (@TheAOSNcom) July 10, 2017
Mexico and Jamaica are on top, and will play each other on Wednesday. Barring a draw, this game will likely decide the winner of Group C.
Jamaica ended up being runner-up to Mexico in the 2015 Gold Cup. They’re more than capable of shocking El Tri and will look to do so.
El Salvador and Curacao will be playing for position, trying to get no less than a third place spot and potentially a spot in the knockout rounds
For more Gold Cup action, check out our Live Blog and follow us on Twitter @TheAOSNcom.