The U.S. men's national team will enter the Gold Cup with some serious confidence after Saturday. Using what is basically its "B" squad and led by newcomer Dom Dwyer up top, the USMNT beat Ghana 2-1 in an international friendly in Hartford, Connecticut. 

With the squad featuring mostly MLS players as manager Bruce Arena opted to give rest to his big guns, it was a thorough performance against a tricky, speedy side that should leave fans feeling pretty good about the cup, which begins next week.

Dwyer, born in England and a U.S. citizen as of March, got the start up top and didn't take long to make an impact, scoring his first goal for the country in less than 20 minutes, rifling home from close:

With both sides creating chances, the U.S. made it 2-0 early in the second half off this fine free kick from Kellyn Acosta:

Brad Guzan saved a penalty kick for the U.S., but he could not keep Ghana out entirely, with Asamoah Gyan's fantastic free kick on the hour mark:

Both teams had chances the rest of the way, but the U.S. was able to control the ball, frustrate the Africans and hold on to a result that has to feel good. 

There's no doubt that Arena is opting for rest and checking out new players rather than going for the cup with his best players, but Saturday's performance with Acosta shining in the middle gives the team some good vibes ahead of the cup.

The U.S. will debut at this year's Gold Cup next Saturday against Panama. The last Gold Cup, which came in 2015, was won by Mexico.

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