The U.S. men's national team's roster for the 2017 Gold Cup next month has been unveiled. Check out the 23-man squad that the Americans will take into the tournament, looking to overcome the disappointment from two years ago:
Goalkeepers (3): Brad Guzan (Atlanta United FC), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (New York City FC)
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/CAN), Jorge Villafaña (Santos Laguna/MEX), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
Midfielders (9): Paul Arriola (Club Tijuana/MEX), Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia Union), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana/MEX), Dax McCarty (Chicago Fire), Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas),Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC), Kelyn Rowe (New England Revolution), Kenny Saief (Gent/BEL), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)
Forwards (3): Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution), Dom Dwyer (Sporting Kansas City), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC)
Obviously, from a fan standpoint, it's a weak roster that lacks experience. No Christian Pulisic, Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, DeAndre Yedlin and so on. Three starters for the USA against Mexico game earlier in the month are in this squad in Guzan, Gonzalez and Acosta. In total, 16 of the 23 are from MLS, and 20 of the 23 are from North American clubs.
Now, it isn't a surprise to see the big names missing. USA coach Bruce Arena said many key players wouldn't get called up for the cup in order to give them rest. Can Arena actually win the cup with this kind of roster? Possibly, but that's partially helped by Mexico bringing a B team (a very good one, though) and Costa Rica being without Keylor Navas in goal.
The cup will begin on July 7, and the U.S. opens with Panama on July 8. The Americans are grouped with the Panama, Martinique and Nicaragua.
For news, stories, results and more, follow us:
