Mexico vs. Jamaica: Time, Live Stream and TV Schedule for 2017 Gold Cup
Jul 12, 2017
Mexico's Elias Hernandez (11) celebrates his goal against El Salvador in Group C play in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, July 9, 2017 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. / AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
The two top teams in Group C of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup will meet on Thursday, when Mexico take on Jamaica at the Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colorado.
Both teams have made winning starts to the tournament, with El Tri beating El Salvador 3-1 on Monday, while Jamaica earned a 2-0 win against Curacao.
This is a chance for holders Mexico to take control of the group and prove their credentials as potential winners of the tournament.
Before a preview, here are the schedule and viewing details:
Mexico boasts the quality in attack to punish Jamaica. Specifically, winger Elias Hernandez proved a star turn against El Salvador.
SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 09: Benji Villalobos #22 of El Salvador is hit in the face by a shot on goal from Elias Hernandez #11 of Mexico during the second half of a 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group C match at Qualcomm Stadium on July 9, 2017 in San Diego, Califo
Hernandez "scored one goal and assisted on the other two, including a pinpoint set-piece delivery to the head of Hedgardo Marin to open the scoring," per Charles Boehm of MLSSoccer.com. Playing the Club Leon man with intelligent forward Martin Barragan and Chivas' attacking midfielder Orbelin Pineda gives Mexico ample fluidity in the final third.
Winning in the opener came while manager Juan Carlos Osorio missed out through suspension. In his place, assistant Luis Pompilio Paez oversaw things.
Paez was left impressed, but he called for El Tri to maintain concentration, particularly when defending a lead, per the tournament's official website: "They have to be able to keep the same mentality after we score, so that the opponent doesn’t take advantage of a lapse and begin to attack and score."
Jamaica's best chance of earning an upset win will likely reside with forward Darren Mattocks. The 26-year-old scored against Curacao and saves his best for tournament play, per Boehm.
Mattocks helped Jamaica get off to a winning start.
The bigger question for the Reggae Boyz will be whether they can keep things tight enough at the back to resist the pace, perceptive movement and artful passing Mexico are sure to unleash on them.
It's easy to believe Mexico will dispatch Jamaica with room to spare. El Tri usually save their best for the Gold Cup, and this match is the perfect time for the holders to showcase their quality.
French Guiana Field Ineligible Florent Malouda vs. Honduras in 2017 Gold Cup
Jul 11, 2017
French Guiana midfielder Florent Malouda (15) controls the ball in front of Honduras midfielder Alfredo Mejia (8) in the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match in Houston, Tuesday, July 11, 2017. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
French Guiana fielded the ineligible Florent Malouda in their Gold Cup match against Honduras on Tuesday, a move which is likely to result in them forfeiting the match.
Per Alexi Lalasof Fox Sports, the national team not only started the 37-year-old, but also gave him the captain's armband, and the disciplinary committee is expected to hand an automatic 3-0 victory for Honduras:
Per @CONCACAF, Florent Malouda remains ineligible to play for French Guiana in #GoldCup2017. He’s starting and captaining #GUF tonight.
Malouda was born in Cayenne, French Guiana's capital, but he spent his entire international career with France.
He earned 80 caps for Les Bleus appearing at the FIFA World Cup in 2006 and 2010, in which he scored France's only goal, and UEFA Euro 2012, which was the last time he played for them.
While the fact French Guiana are not recognised by FIFA and can't participate in the World Cup allowed some to believe he would be able to restart his international career with his country of birth, CONCACAF declared before the tournament that he would not be allowed to play.
"The rules say he's ineligible," a CONCACAF spokesperson told Brian Straus of Sports Illustrated. "We are using FIFA rules, and so a player who has played in an official match for a different [national team] cannot play in Gold Cup. More precisely, he is not eligible to play. He can play, but he's not eligible."
French Guiana lost 4-2 to Canada in their opening match. After opting to field Malouda for their second game, their likely forfeit of the point they earned will almost certainly bring an end to their chances of progressing from Group A, unless they convincingly beat Costa Rica in their final match and Canada defeat Honduras.
Malouda scored 45 goals in 238 appearances for Chelsea in a six-year spell at Stamford Bridge, albeit he did not make a single appearance for them in his final season, and he won the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup three times with the Blues.
The winger also won four consecutive Ligue 1 titles with Lyon prior to joining Chelsea, and he had spells with Guingamp, Trabzonspor and Metz over the course of his career, among others.
Gold Cup 2017: Costa Rica, Canada on Top of Group A After 1-1 Draw
Jul 11, 2017
HOUSTON , TX - JULY 11: Marcos Urena of Costa Rica competes with Samuel Piette of Canada during the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group A match between Costa Rica and Canada at BBVA Compass Stadium on July 11, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Group A at the 2017 Gold Cup has gotten quite competitive after the second matchday Tuesday in Houston.
Costa Rica and Canada, which each won their first games, played to a 1-1 draw to each sit with four points at the top of the table. Canada currently leads with plus-two goal differential.
However, the big story was the second match, which featured a 0-0 draw between French Guiana and Honduras. However, French Guiana used an illegal player, which will likely result in a 3-0 forfeit handed to Honduras, perAlexi Lalasof Fox Sports.
This will put Honduras right off the lead with three points and in great shape with goal differential.
Canada 1, Costa Rica 1
Costa Rica controlled the majority of the match, holding more than 60 percent of possession while putting 10 shots on goal compared to just one for Canada, perESPN.
However, the teams still ended up even where it mattered in the 1-1 draw.
It was Alphonso Davies who got Canada going at the start of the match, showcasing his speed and finishing ability on his 26th-minute goal on a cross from Scott Arfield. Fox Soccer captured the go-ahead score:
If not for some big saves in goal by Milan Borjan, things could have been much worse for Canada at halftime but the teams went into the break even at 1-1.
The stalemate continued into the second half, with Costa Rica creating several outstanding opportunities without finding a way to finish.
The ball stayed in the Ticos offensive zone for virtually all of the last 20 minutes of the match, but they couldn't get the game-winner and had to settle for a draw.
Costa Rica will wrap up its group stage play with a match against French Guiana Friday while Canada will take on Honduras. Both games will be played at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Honduras 0, French Guiana 0
While the match itself was competitive, it was officially over as soon as Florent Malouda stepped onto the field at the opening kickoff.
After spending his entire career playing for France, the 37-year-old veteran had attempted a return to French Guiana, but he wasruled ineligiblebefore the tournament by CONCACAF.
As Lalas noted, the underdogs simply didn't seem to care:
Per @CONCACAF, Florent Malouda remains ineligible to play for French Guiana in #GoldCup2017. He’s starting and captaining #GUF tonight.
Results aside, the second half featured plenty of excitement with wide-open play and several good shots at the net. Some were stopped by great saves, others by the post and some narrowly went wide.
The match remained scoreless, however, giving both teams a single point for the moment.
However, fans should expect a Honduras win in the standings as soon as all is said and done.
Gold Cup 2017: TV Schedule, Live Stream and Predictions for Tuesday Fixtures
Jul 11, 2017
Canada's midfielder Alphonso Davies (C) celebrates after scoring a goal against French Guiana during their 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup Group A match at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, on July 7, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
Costa Rica and Canada will be seeking to build on their opening wins at the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Tuesday, as they meet at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.
The two teams were involved in contrasting first fixtures against Honduras and French Guiana, respectively. Costa Rica were determined and composed in their 1-0 win over Honduras, while Canada, after taking a three-goal lead, staved off an excellent fightback from their opponents to win 4-2.
Should either side win this Group A contest, their qualification for the knockout stages of the competition will be secured.
Meanwhile, Honduras and French Guiana meet in the other group match, with both sides knowing defeat needs to be avoided to keep progression in their own hands.
Read on for the key viewing details for these games and a look ahead to what will be a crucial day in Group A.
Canada's midfielder Scott Arfield celebrates after scoring a goal against French Guiana during their 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup Group A match at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, on July 7, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit shoul
So often in the Gold Cup, Costa Rica are rated by many as dangerous outsiders. Canada may rival them for that title this year.
Coming into this game, coach Octavio Zambrano's side will be feeling confident, as they were inventive and intense in their win over French Guiana. Granted, they did suffer something of a scare late on, as the underdogs netted twice in two minutes to cut the deficit, but they dealt with it well.
Here's a look at the highlights of a win Canada could have thrown away:
Still, the Canucks were able to see the game out with another goal and will feel they have what's required to cause Costa Rica problems—especially through 16-year-old sensation Alphonso Davies.
The tyro netted a brace in the win over French Guiana and tormented the opposition defence throughout the contest.
As noted by Scouted Football, it was a history-making showing from Davies:
At 16 years, 8 months, and 5 days old, Alphonso Davies becomes the youngest goal scorer in #GoldCup history. The Canadian wonder. pic.twitter.com/2vt0SAKwOs
Going up against Costa Rica will be a more challenging match for Canada, as the Ticos look intent on winning this Gold Cup.
They showed that in an attritional game against Honduras, in which they took the lead through Marco Urena six minutes before the break. He struck home on the volley after some brilliant wing play from Rodney Wallace.
After the break, Honduras pushed on, although manager Oscar Ramirez's side showed their defensive qualities to keep the one-goal lead intact.
Costa Rica's forward Marco Urena celebrates after scoring a goal against Honduras during their 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup Group A match at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, on July 7, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD (Photo credit should read
With Mexico and the United States rotating their squads for this competition, a near full-strength Costa Rica side have been tipped as potential winners of this Gold Cup.
As noted by sports journalist Bobby Warshaw, some star men linked up well for the decisive goal:
Although they both lost, French Guiana and Honduras will have taken positives from their opening games, meaning the meeting between the pair should be intriguing.
Honduras will be favourites, but they must show more ruthlessness in the final third of the pitch if they are to take three points. Los Catrachos were able to create chances in the second period against Costa Rica, but they were wasted by Houston Dynamo duo Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto.
French Guiana, making their tournament debut, will be the big outsiders in all of their games, yet they will take some heart from the way they clung on against Canada.
Honduras will be more combative and a little more cohesive, and they will make things difficult for coach Jair Karam's team.
Predictions: Costa Rica 2-1 Canada, Honduras 2-0 French Guiana
Gold Cup 2017: Jamaica Beats Curacao, Mexico Cruises Past El Salvador on Sunday
Jul 9, 2017
Jamaica's Romario Williams, right, greeted by Jermaine Taylor, left, after Williams scored a goal against Curacao during a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match in San Diego, Sunday, July 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
With the first two groups having completed their first round of fixtures, the 2017 Gold Cup spotlight was on Group C on Sunday in San Diego.
Curacao and Jamaica faced off to get the action underway, while Mexico began its Gold Cup title defense against El Salvador to bring the day to a close.
Below is a brief recap for how Sunday unfolded. The schedule and standings for the Gold Cup are available on the tournament's official website.
Jamaica 2, Curacao 0
Jamaica opened its tournament with a 2-0 win over Curacao.
Following a scoreless first half, Romario Williams broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, beating Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room at the near post.
Je-Vaughn Watson supplied a through ball ahead to Williams, who opted against taking a touch and instead hit the ball first time. Room appeared to be caught off guard as Williams' shot slipped just inside the post. Fox Soccer shared a replay of the tally:
Fifteen minutes later, Darren Mattocks provided an early candidate for goal of the tournament when he put Jamaica ahead 2-0.
The goal came about after Mattocks had a poor touch on Kemar Lawrence's cross in from the left. Mattocks quickly recovered and unleashed a left-footed volley into the back of the net:
Curacao nearly halved the deficit in the 78th minute, but Andre Blake saved Gevaro Nepomuceno's close-range effort to maintain Jamaica's two-goal lead.
While it wasn't a sterling performance by the Reggae Boyz, they put themselves in a good position to advance with the victory. Drawing one of their two remaining group stage matches may be enough to send them through to the quarterfinals.
Especially with Mexico ahead in its next match, Jamaica needed to walk away from Sunday with three points and achieved that goal.
Curacao, on the other hand, all but guaranteed it has no margin for error over the next week, which is concerning since it still has a matchup with El Tri on the horizon. Even with Mexico sending a weakened side to the Gold Cup, it'll be a difficult opponent for Curacao in what could be a must-win situation on July 16 in San Antonio.
Mexico 3, El Salvador 1
Mexico may be relying on what is a reserve unit in the Gold Cup, but it didn't matter Sunday as El Tri brushed El Salvador aside 3-1. Hedgardo Marin, Elias Hernandez and Orbelin Pineda were the goal scorers for Mexico.
The match was competitive early on, as Nelson Bonilla canceled out Marin's opening goal in the 10th minute of the match. It was a nice finish from Bonilla, who slid his shot into the far post, past a diving Jesus Corona:
Hernandez put Mexico back on top in the 29th minute with a right-footed volley from inside the 18-yard box. The El Salvador defense left Hernandez unmarked, allowing him ample time to measure up his shot off Jesus Gallardo's cross from the right.
Goal's Jon Arnold commented on El Salvador's poor defending:
If you don't bother Elias Hernandez, he can hit volleys like that. Totally alone. #ElTriEng
Pineda provided an insurance goal in the 55th minute to put the match out of reach for El Salvador.
Mexico finished with 67 percent possession and 13 shots. Bonilla's equalizer could've prompted a nervous response from Mexico, and instead, they provided a swift retort and didn't look back.
With the win, El Tri moved to the top of Group C, having scored one more goal than Jamaica. That sets up what will be an interesting match Thursday. A victory for either country will mean advancement to the knockout round.
And for Mexico in particular, another confident performance will further establish why they're the favorites to retain their CONCACAF crown.
Gold Cup 2017: TV Schedule, Live Stream and Predictions for Sunday Fixtures
Jul 9, 2017
Mexico's Colombian coach Juan Carlos Osorio speaks with Mexico's defender Nestor Araujo during the 2017 Confederations Cup semi-final football match between Germany and Mexico at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi on June 29, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Yuri CORTEZ (Photo credit should read YURI CORTEZ/AFP/Getty Images)
The 2017 Gold Cup will move its attention to Group C on Sunday as the third and final batch of pool-stage competitors will have a first opportunity to strut their stuff at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium.
Tournament frontrunners Mexico will open their campaign against an El Salvador team that hasn't tasted victory in three matches, while Curacao will face Jamaica in what will be the former's first Gold Cup game since 1973.
Mexico will be seeking a fine start to the tournament as they look to win a fourth Gold Cup crown in the space of five tournaments, but a young and inexperienced squad means their title defence plans stand on shaky ground.
Jamaica, meanwhile, head into the 2017 fray hoping to go one better than the remarkable runner-up finish they managed in 2015 and make a run at the crown this time around.
Read on for a breakdown of the competition's group-stage schedule, complete with television and live-stream information ahead of Sunday's fixtures.
Here is the full TV schedule for the group stage of the tournament:
July 9
Curacao vs. Jamaica, 7 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1 Mexico vs. El Salvador, 9 p.m. ET,Fox Sports 1
July 11
Costa Rica vs. Canada, 7:30 p.m. ET,Fox Sports 1 Honduras vs. French Guiana, 10 p.m. ET,Fox Sports 1
July 12
Panama vs. Nicaragua, 6:30 p.m. ET,Fox Sports 1 USA vs. Martinique, 8;30 p.m. ET,Fox Sports 1
July 13
El Salvador vs. Curacao, 8 p.m. ET,Fox Sports 1 Mexico vs. Jamaica, 10 p.m. ET,Fox Sports 1
July 14
Costa Rica vs. French Guiana, 7:30 p.m. ET,Fox Sports 1 Canada vs. Honduras, 10 p.m. ET,Fox Sports 1
July 15
Panama vs. Martinique, 4:30 p.m. ET,Fox Sports 2 Nicaragua vs. USA, 7 p.m. ET,FXX
July 16
Jamaica vs. El Salvador, 6 p.m. ET,Fox Sports 2 Curacao vs. Mexico, 8 p.m. ET,Fox Sports 1
All eyes will be on Mexico this Sunday ahead of an ambiguous campaign for the national team, who have assembled a crop of young players lacking in caps due to their recent commitments at the Confederations Cup.
El Tri may appear to be Group C favourites on paper, but their opener will draw particular interest after manager Juan Carlos Osorio was handed a six-match ban for protesting against officials in Russia, per ESPN FC's Tom Marshall.
His suspension means he'll be sidelined for the duration of the Gold Cup—the sixth match of his ban would be the final—but Mexico should nevertheless feel confident in their ability to get the better of El Salvador and others.
There is still time for Osorio to appeal the suspension, said Marshall in a recent video, although Osorio's absence will be felt all the more by a team made up largely of players who aren't national team regulars:
El Salvador have won only two games since October 2015, and although both those victories came this year (Belize and Nicaragua), El Tri will undoubtedly feel they hold the edge in quality needed to start the contest off in winning fashion.
Sunday's other clash pits 2015 finalists Jamaica against Gold Cup debutants Curacao, and Caribbean football writer Nathan Carr provided a recent injury update for the Reggae Boyz:
As fate would have it, Jamaica were recently beaten 2-1 by Curacao in the final of the 2017 Caribbean Cup, where Elson Hooi's double led the latter to their first trophy in the competition and their biggest title ever.
Neither defence will be seen as the steeliest in this tournament, meaning goals en masse are a major possibility, although it's difficult to separate the two teams even with Jamaica's more impressive recent record.
Predicted Scores
Curacao 2-2 Jamaica
Mexico 2-1 El Salvador
Gold Cup 2017: USMNT Draw vs. Panama, Martinique Win in Saturday Play
Jul 8, 2017
NASHVILLE, TN - JULY 08: Anibal Godoy #20 of Panama chases Joe Corona #10 of USA during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup Soccer match at Nissan Stadium on July 8, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
There is a surprising leader in the Group B standings after the first set of matches at the 2017 Gold Cup.
The United States men's national team was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Panama Saturday in a disappointing opening effort at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
This allowed Martinique to take control of the group with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua. Martinique—a country that isn't even allowed to qualify for the World Cup—now has three points after its first match while USA and Panama each have one point. Nicaragua sits in last place with zero points.
There is still plenty of time for movement with two more matches for each team in the group stage, but the first day showed nothing is guaranteed for the top squads.
USA 1, Panama 1
Panama fought back from an early deficit to claim a draw, which represents a relative surprise for the Americans.
DannyMichallikof ESPN FC provided this note:
This is the first time the #usmnt have failed to win in the opening match of the Gold Cup.
Considering these are likely the two best teams in the group, both sides should expect better for the rest of this stage.
With that said, both squads could be disappointed in the finish with plenty of opportunities to come away with the win. After a scoreless first half, there was a lot more aggressiveness in the second.
Dom Dwyergave the United States an early lead with a goal in the 50th minute, coming off a beautiful setup byKelynRowe:
The deficit seemed to ignite Panama, who created several opportunities over the next few minutes in an attempt to equalize the match.
Panama finally broke through in the 60th minute against an unorganized U.S. defense. BradGuzanmade the immediate stop, but MiguelCamargowas there for the rebound:
This ended up being the only scoring in what was otherwise a sloppy battle of relatively inexperienced rosters.
The first half was extremely quiet, with neither team able to take advantage of the limited opportunities. The defenses held their ground and prevented any easy shots on net.
IvesGalarcepof Goal summed up the level of play:
HALFTIME- USA 0, Panama 0. Panama's Diaz w/a narrow miss just before the break. Ugly half, USA forced some saves, but also had some lapses.
There was a lot more action in the second half, but poor passing in the final third limited the Americans' chances, while Panama simply couldn't get its best looks on net.
Rowe,Guzanand Joe Corona provided some highlights in the effort, although it's clear this squad is a step lower than the "A" team.
Both teams will continue their Gold Cup run on Wednesday from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida. Panama will take on Nicaragua, followed by the United States matchup against Martinique.
With just three matches in the group stage, there is a lot of pressure on both squads to get a win.
Martinique 2, Nicaragua 0
Jul 8, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Martinique forward Kevin Parsemain (17) kicks the ball on a penalty kick in the first half against Nicaragua at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
The first match of the Gold Cup went about as well as possible for Martinique, which got the better of Nicaragua.
Kevin Parsemain scored the first goal, while Steeven Langil put it out of reach for the 2-0 win.
Although Martinique only took two more shots than Nicaragua (19-17), 11 went on net compared to just four from their counterpart. This helped make the difference in what became an easy victory.
After the first match of the day featured relatively conservative play early, there was plenty of action in this battle right from the opening kick.
The sides flew back and forth down the field with several quality opportunities for each, although it took some time for either to get onto the scoresheet.
Martinique finally broke through in the 35th minute with a header by their best player:
Parsemain simply rose above the defenders to direct the ball into the back of the net.
The score remained 1-0 through halftime, with Nicaragua fortunate to keep things close. Justo Lorente stopped several quality shots to prevent what could have been a blowout.
John Bava III of LastWordOnSoccer.com broke down the performance:
Just like Tim Howard, however, the opposing onslaught ended up being too much to handle.
Langil came in at the 65th minute and scored one minute later, using an outstanding individual effort to find the back of the net. Univision Deportes captured the goal:
This doubled the lead, which was enough for Martinique to sit back and control the rest of the match.
Things will be more difficult for Martinique in the next match against the United States, but the win was a big step toward advancing to the knockout stage.
Considering this is just the third-ever victory for the national team in five Gold Cup appearances, it was a significant three points.
USMNT Held to 1-1 Draw vs. Panama in Gold Cup Opener
Jul 8, 2017
EAST HARTFORD, CT - JULY 01: Dom Dwyer #14 of the United States battles defenders John Boye #21 and Jerry Akaminko #14 of Ghana John Boye #21 in the first half during an international friendly between USA and Ghana at Pratt & Whitney Stadium on July 1, 2017 in East Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
USA were held to a 1-1 draw by Panama in their 2017 Gold Cup opener on Saturday. Sporting Kansas City forward Dom Dwyer opened scoring for the U.S. at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, but Miguel Camargo netted an equaliser at 60 minutes.
It means the U.S. have made a stuttering start in Group B.
Alejandro Bedoya captained coach Bruce Arena's squad, while Brad Guzan tended goal. Meanwhile, FC Porto attacker Ismael Diaz was included for Panama, per Fox Soccer:
Goal-mouth action was in short supply during the first 25 minutes, although Kellyn Acosta did fire in a long-range shot amid a series of corners for the U.S. Things livened up just before the half-hour mark when Acosta's fellow midfielder Kelyn Rowe went close before a rare foray forward by Panama, per Fox Soccer:
Rowe spoils a chance on one end and Guzan makes a big save on the other. Still scoreless in the 29th minute. #USAvPAN#GoldCup2017
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 8, 2017
The mood in Nashville changed five minutes after the restart when Dwyer finished smartly after being played in by Rowe. It was the second international goal in as many matches for Dwyer, per Major League Soccer:
Panama had gone behind but soon offered a reminder of their threat on the break by again calling Guzan into action. The 32-year-old stopper did brilliantly to keep out a close-range header from Gabriel Torres.
Guzan wasn't as fortunate on the hour mark, though, when the rebound from his save, again to deny Torres, was turned in by Camargo.
The match seemed set for a frantic finish but failed to deliver one. It didn't help Arena's men lacked inspiration and quality from midfield, with Acosta disappointing.
Meanwhile, Panama appeared content to sit deep and protect their point, only breaking when the moment was ripe.
Based on this showing, the U.S. will struggle to pose a meaningful challenge to tournament heavyweights Mexico.
Gold Cup 2017: TV Schedule, Live Stream and Predictions for Saturday Fixtures
Jul 8, 2017
EAST HARTFORD, CT - JULY 01: Bruce Arena, head coach of the United States watches the action in the second half during an international friendly between USA and Ghana at Pratt & Whitney Stadium on July 1, 2017 in East Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
The 2017 Gold Cup is set to excite football fans across the United States, as the Stars and Stripes host the CONCACAF tournament.
The Americans begin their campaign on Saturday as they play Panama in Group B at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Martinique play Nicaragua in the day's other fixture as the nations attempt to place themselves in good stead early in the competition.
Here is the full TV schedule for the group stage of the tournament:
July 8
4:30 p.m ET - USA vs. Panama - Fox 7 p.m. ET - Martinique vs. Nicaragua - Fox Sports 2
July 9
7 p.m. ET - Curacao vs. Jamaica - Fox Sports 1 9:30 p.m. ET - Mexico vs. El Salvador - Fox Sports 1
July 11
7:30 p.m. ET - Costa Rica vs. Canada - Fox Sports 1 10 p.m. ET - Honduras vs. French Guiana - Fox Sports 1
July 12
6:30 p.m. ET - Panama vs. Nicaragua - Fox Sports 1 9:00 p.m. ET - USA vs. Martinique - Fox Sports 1
July 13
8 p.m. ET - El Salvador vs. Curacao - Fox Sports 1 10:30 p.m. ET - Mexico vs. Jamaica - Fox Sports 1
July 14
7:30 p.m. ET - Costa Rica vs. French Guiana - Fox Sports 1 10 p.m. ET - Canada vs. Honduras - Fox Sports 1
July 15
4:30 p.m. ET - Panama vs. Martinique - Fox Sports 2 7 p.m. ET - Nicaragua vs. USA - FXX
July 16
6 p.m. ET - Jamaica vs. El Salvador - Fox Sports 2 8:30 p.m. ET - Curacao vs. Mexico - Fox Sports 1
The United States are five-times winners of the Gold Cup, and despite their position as hosts and seeds, Panama are expected to run them close in the group stage.
The Americans will hold designs on winning the whole competition, but with Mexico expected to be in their way in the closing stages, it could be a difficult path to success.
The Mexicans have dominated the competition in recent years as the United States have struggled to prevail.
Panama enter the match after losing three games in their past five, but they will be motivated to cause an upset with their defensive mindset.
The hosts have formed an inexperienced squad for this year's competition, blooding a number of less-familiar faces in their lineup.
Youth is the order of the day as veteran boss Bruce Arena includes a number of fresh talents.
According to GoldCup.org, Dom Dwyer, Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan and burgeoning player Kellyn Acosta could be given the responsibility of flying the flag for America in the opening fixture.
In the day's other game, Martinique face Nicaragua as the nations expect to battle for third place.
A victory for either team will position well before they are forced to play the United States and Panama.
Predictions
PANAMA, CIUDAD DE, PANAMA - JANUARY 17: Anibal Godoy of Panama during the Copa Centroamericana 2017 tournament between Panama and Honduras at Estadio Rommel Fernandez on January 17, 2017 in Panama, Ciudad de, Panama. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty I
Despite the youth in their squad, home advantage should see the Americans through, but they will not take their opponents for granted.
Panama have the steel and tactics needed to go far in the competition, and a draw would be a superb opening result for their mandate.
The United States' lack of European-based talent will damage their charge after the group stages, but they will have more than enough to qualify in the top-two places in Group B.
Nicaragua will find it difficult to overcome Martinique, but both sides lack the pedigree needed to be fully competitive.
Predicted Scores
United States 2-1 Panama
Martinique 1-1 Nicaragua
Gold Cup 2017: Costa Rica Beats Honduras, Canada over French Guiana on Friday
Jul 7, 2017
Jul 7, 2017; Harrison, NJ, USA; Canada midfielder Alphonso Davies (12) plays the ball against French Guiana forward Rhudy Evens (4) during the first half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup got underway Friday with the opening fixtures in Group A from Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
Two-time tournament champion Canada kicked off the event against French Guiana, which is making its Gold Cup debut. World Cup hopefuls Costa Rica and Honduras followed in the nightcap with the marquee matchup in Pool A.
Let's take a look at the complete schedule for Day 1. That's followed by a review of the action.
Dejan Jakovic opened the scoring for Canada in the 28th minute and the Canucks held off a late rally from an upstart French Guiana side to earn all three points.
Jakovic, who currently suits up for the New York Cosmos and previously played in MLS with D.C. United, took advantage of some lackluster set-piece defending just before the half-hour mark. The defender found some free space to touch home a cross from just a few yards out.
Fox Soccer highlighted the 2017 Gold Cup's first goal:
Scott Arfield made it 2-0 in first-half stoppage time and 16-year-old rising star Alphonso Davies stretched the lead to three for the Canadians in the 60th minute.
Then, almost out of nowhere, French Guiana made a sudden surge to make a mostly one-sided match competitive again for the final 20 minutes.
Roy Contout tallied the Yana Dokos' first Gold Cup goal in the 69th minute off an assist from Anthony Soubervie. He headed home a perfectly lofted corner for his third international goal.
Sloan Privat found the net again for French Guiana one minute later to get the underdogs right back in the match after struggling to generate any attacking chances for most of the game.
Caribbean Football commented on the surprising turn of events:
Abelinti's header is pushed away, Abelinti follows up and squares for Sloan Privat to tap home, 3-2 now and Guyane starting to believe
— Caribbean Football (@caribbeanfooty) July 8, 2017
Alas, Davies made sure there wouldn't be a storybook ending for the French Guianans by netting his second goal of the match in the 85th minute to relieve the pressure for Canada.
Vancouver Whitecaps teammate David Edgar joked about the teenager's standout performance:
At 16 i was living in my Nanny's house in Newcastle using dial up internet to chat on MSN messenger. Well done @AlphonsoDavies 🇨🇦
Group A will return to action Tuesday for its next pair of fixtures. Canada will look to punch its ticket to the knockout rounds against Costa Rica. Meanwhile, French Guiana must attempt to build off its more promising final 30 minutes when it takes on Honduras.
Costa Rica 1, Honduras 0
Marco Urena converted a volley on a sublime cross from Rodney Wallace shortly before halftime to give Costa Rica a lead it would never relinquish Friday evening.
As expected, it was a tightly contested encounter between two sides still alive in CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. All it took was one moment of attacking brilliance from the Ticos to shift the result in their favor.
Fox Soccer spotlighted the only goal of the match in the 40th minute:
The Catrachos controlled the pace of play in the second half. They held 67 percent of possession and generated seven shots compared to three for Costa Rica. The finishing touch they needed to at least get back level never arrived, however.
Gold Cup 2017 passed along complete match highlights:
Getting the victory gives the Ticos a little extra breathing room heading into their final two matches, starting with the Canada clash Tuesday.
On the flip side, Honduras must be careful against a group from French Guiana that should possess some added confidence after a competitive showing against the Canucks.
