B/R Expert Predictions for 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final
It all comes down to this—one more match, with two teams vying for glory.
The U.S. men's national team meet Jamaica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final Wednesday evening in Santa Clara, California, after both sides emerged from their semi-finals with clean-sheet victories. The former dismantled Costa Rica as they continued to move from strength to strength, while the latter caused the upset of the tournament by beating Mexico 1-0.
Who will emerge victorious on Wednesday evening? Our experts have been taking stock and now present their predictions for Wednesday's match. Read on for their thoughts.
Joe Tansey's Prediction
On paper, it should be a straightforward victory for the USMNT. Jamaica have had a tremendous Gold Cup run, but they may not have enough in defence to stop a motivated pair such as Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey.
The Reggae Boyz will carry hope into the final because of Andre Blake's stellar play between the sticks. The Philadelphia Union goalkeeper is capable of playing in Europe, and there will be more eyes on him in the championship match.
Expect the USMNT to play all of their first-team regulars such as Michael Bradley, Darlington Nagbe, Dempsey and Altidore, but some players need one more audition ahead of September's World Cup qualifiers.
Matt Besler and Omar Gonzalez have had solid games during the competition, and another standout performance could see either jump higher up the centre-back depth chart.
Prediction: 2-1
First goalscorer: Clint Dempsey breaks Landon Donovan's USMNT scoring record.
Sam Tighe's Prediction
It's tough to ignore what Jamaica have managed in this tournament. They've conceded just two goals in their five games and kept two clean sheets against a Mexico side that may be understrength but was still fancied to reach the final.
The Reggae Boyz can soak up pressure like no other team in the region, and the USA must now solve the problem El Tri failed to twice: how to get past Andre Blake and his stubborn defence.
Fortunately for Bruce Arena, the team he will send out has improved with each passing round. Now infused with experience and quality—and hunting history, in the form of a Clint Dempsey goal—you would expect them to find a way through and claim their sixth Gold Cup.
Prediction: 2-1
First goalscorer: Jozy Altidore
Dean Jones' Prediction
The USMNT took time to make their breakthrough against Costa Rica, but when they did, Dempsey was at the centre of the glory.
Time seems to take no toll on the 34-year-old Seattle Sounders man, and his assist and free-kick goal proved to be enough to book this final spot.
The U.S. have bright prospects coming through, but this is an occasion when Dempsey could easily prove to be the key to success again. Having an extra rest day at this stage of the competition may also be significant.
Jamaica have beaten Canada and Mexico to reach this stage and are not going to show up simply to enjoy the occasion. Blake is having a splendid tournament in goal, so it will take something special to beat him. However, the USMNT have the players capable of doing just that.
Prediction: 2-0
First goalscorer: Clint Dempsey