The U.S. Men’s National Team has done everything right to earn their spot in this years 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final. The group led by new coach Bruce Arena, faced an uphill battle after a 1-1 draw in their opening group stage match against Panama. Then the huge semi-final 2-0 win against Costa Rica, a world cup qualifying tuneup.
The main story line heading into tonight’s final is the three consecutive clean sheets the USMNT have put up. Not to be overshadowed, Clint Dempsey’s chance to become the all-time leading scorer in the red, white, and blue.
Standing in their way is Jamaica, and goalkeeper Andre Blake. Blake is having a phenomenal tournament. The 1-0 clean sheet win over Mexico in the semi’s, is the perfect game to define the Philadelphia Union netminder. If Blake can put up a performance like he did Sunday night the USMNT will be in trouble.
“He’s athletic, he’s tall, has long arms, makes some big saves,” Dempsey told the Post. “He’s good coming out on crosses and being brave. But at the end of the day, we have Tim Howard. Going up against him [in training], he prepares us for anybody.”
Speaking of Tim Howard.
Since joining the USMNT in the quarter finals game against El Salvador, he has two clean sheets. One thing the USMNT will have to keep their eye on tonight will be Jamaica’s speed off the counter. The Reggae Boyz are in their second consecutive Gold Cup Final, and are hungry to become the first Caribbean nation to hoist the trophy.
You can talk about Jamaica’s speed on offense all day long, but the unity, and discipline of their back line is somewhat frightening. Led by an abundance of MLS players, Kemar Lawrence, Jermaine Taylor, Damion Lowe and Alvas Powell, that backline should give the USMNT problems all night.
The big question is will the USMNT try to press the pace right of the bat, or sit back and play for the 1-0 win. The game will most likely come down to who can control the midfield. Michael Bradley and Kellyn Accosta should be up for the task. You would have to assume Arena will have Dempsey coming off the bench again, leading the start with Jozy Altidore and Jordan Morris.
Howard said it best before Wednesday’s game.
Getting our hands on that trophy is paramount for us, no matter who stands in our way.
Gold Cup Final Prediction
2-1 USA. Andre Blake is good, but he’s no match for the USMNT attack. I wouldn’t be surprised if all the goals are scored in the second half.
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @TheAOSNcom and check out our Live Blog for Gold Cup commentary.