Bruce Arena has unveiled his 23-man United States men’s national team squad for the upcoming Gold Cup, and it’s light on big names for the group stage.
USMNT announces final 23-man roster for 2017 Gold Cup
Two new dual-nationals make it, while Kellyn Acosta will get a chance to be a star.
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Brad Guzan appears to be the No. 1 goalkeeper for this tournament, though Arena could opt to give minutes to his other keepers against Martinique or Nicaragua. Bill Hamid and Sean Johnson have been on the fringes of the squad for several years, never quite able to break through.
Two dual-nationals who made recent switches to the United States are in this team. English-American striker Dom Dwyer and Israeli-American winger Kenny Saief will make their first appearances for the team at the Gold Cup. Another dual-national in the preliminary squad — Mexican-American Jesse Gonzalez — did not get his paperwork approved in time to make this team.
The closest thing to a rising young star on this team is midfielder Kellyn Acosta. He’s recently established himself as a key contributor in World Cup qualifying teams, and will likely be counted on to be a leader in midfield for this squad, despite being just 21 years old.
Goalkeepers (3): Brad Guzan (Atlanta United), Bill Hamid (DC United), Sean Johnson (NYCFC)
Defenders (8): Matt Besler (Sporting KC), Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca), Matt Hedges (FC Dallas), Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest), Matt Miazga (Chelsea), Justin Morrow (Toronto FC), Jorge Villafaña (Santos Laguna), Graham Zusi (Sporting KC)
Midfielders (9): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Paul Arriola (Tijuana), Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia Union), Joe Corona (Tijuana), Dax McCarty (Chicago Fire), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Kellyn Rowe (New England Revolution), Kenny Saief (Gent), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)
Forwards (3): Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution), Dom Dwyer (Sporting KC), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders)
The United States kicks off their Gold Cup on July 8 against Panama. Notably, you’re allowed to make up to six changes between the group and knockout stages. Some of the big name players who aren’t on this team might join up later. Here’s the 40-man squad that Arena can add players from, which includes the likes of Michael Bradley, Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore and Christian Pulisic.
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