Christian Pulisic Ruled Out for USMNT's World Cup Qualifier vs. El Salvador
Sep 1, 2021
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Christian Pulisic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Chelsea star Christian Pulisic will not play for the United States men's national team in its World Cup qualifier against El Salvador on Thursday.
According to The Athletic, Pulisic did not travel to the Central American nation on Wednesday after he announced he tested positive for COVID-19 on Aug. 18.
The midfielder said at the time that he was fully vaccinated and experienced no symptoms associated with his diagnosis.
The Athletic noted that Pulisic isolated for 10 days, cleared protocols and trained with the USMNT on Monday and Tuesday, but the decision was still made to hold him out of Thursday's CONCACAF match.
While the 22-year-old is the USMNT's best player and represents a significant loss, his absence shouldn't have much of a bearing on the result in San Salvador.
The U.S. is ranked 10th in the world in the FIFA men's soccer rankings, while El Salvador is way down in 64th, which is seventh among the eight CONCACAF teams in qualifying.
The Americans have never lost a match to El Salvador and have won each of their past five meetings, including a 6-0 win in a friendly last December in Florida.
It is also notable that the USMNT has enjoyed some success without Pulisic and other top players recently. It won the Gold Cup last month, beating Mexico in the final with what was considered a B team.
Still, U.S. soccer fans are undoubtedly excited to see the dynamic Pulisic back in red, white and blue soon.
Pulisic has 16 goals in 38 career appearances for the senior national team, and he has starred at the club level as well at both Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.
The Pennsylvania native scored in his only EPL appearance so far this season and has totaled 37 goals across all competitions for the German and British powers.
Leaving Pulisic back in Tennessee to train could be the team's best bet in terms of ensuring he is good to go for the other upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
After Thursday's match against El Salvador, the Americans will host Canada on Sunday in Nashville and go back on the road to face Honduras next Wednesday.
Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi Headline USMNT Roster for 2022 World Cup Qualifiers
Aug 26, 2021
DENVER, CO - JUNE 06: Christian Pulisic #10 and Weston McKennie #8 of United States celebrates after scores during the CONCACAF Nations League Championship Final between United States and Mexico at Empower Field At Mile High on June 6, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
The United States men's national team announced its roster Thursday for its first World Cup qualifiers beginning in September:
The šŗšø squad that will open the 2022 @FIFAWorldCup Qualifying campaign.
Sept. 2 at šøš» Sept. 5 vs. šØš¦ Sept. 8 at šš³
The Americans will travel to face El Salvador in the first match on Sept. 2, followed by a home game against Canada on Sept. 5 and a road game against Honduras on Sept. 8.
The roster features the team's biggest stars, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams.
FC Dallas forward Ricardo Pepi also joins the roster and could make his first appearance for the senior national team after the dual-national was deciding between USA and Mexico.
Pepi, 18, has been one of the biggest stories leading up to World Cup qualifying thanks to his potential impact for either of the two CONCACAF rivals. The El Paso, Texas, native has scored nine goals in 20 MLS matches so far this season.
"Itās so hard ā it's actually very hard," Pepi said about his decision earlier this week. "I don't know, I've spent about three, four months thinking about this decision. And I feel like I'm in the same place every day. I can't lean one way or I can't lean the other way. I'm just stuck in the middle."
He can now appear in a competitive match for the United States and become cap-tied to the squad.
The roster is also loaded with other promising young talents, including Konrad de la Fuente, Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson and George Bello, all under the age of 21.
Pulisic, 22, remains a key part of the squad but was a question mark for this international break after testing positive for COVID-19. It appears the Chelsea player will be cleared in time to compete for the national team.
Matthew Hoppe and Reggie Cannon are among the notable snubs after competing for the team during the Gold Cup, while defenders Chris Richards and Matt Miazga were also left off the list.
Christian Pulisic Out vs. Arsenal After Testing Positive for COVID-19
Aug 20, 2021
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Christian Pulisic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel announced
United States international Christian Pulisic will miss Sunday's
Premier League match against Arsenal after testing positive for
COVID-19.
"Unfortunately, [he] had a positive test
and needs to follow the protocols," Tuchel told reporters Friday. "He's not been training and is not available for the game."
Pulisic started the Blues' Premier
League opener against Crystal Palace on Saturday. He played 82 minutes and scored
a goal as part of the club's convincing 3-0 win.
He posted a statement on his Instagram story saying he's fully vaccinated and hasn't dealt with any coronavirus symptoms so far:
Pulisic posts on IG that heās fully vaccinated and isnāt experiencing any symptoms after testing positive for Covid-19 earlier this week. pic.twitter.com/q1ygT2PAjG
His strong start to the campaign for
Chelsea came after a summer where he led the USMNT to the Nations
League championship with a clutch 114th-minute penalty kick to beat
rival Mexico in June.
The 22-year-old Pennsylvania native's
positive COVID-19 test result comes less than two weeks before the U.S.
kicks off World Cup qualifying. The U.S. is scheduled to face El Salvador on
Sept. 2 followed by fixtures against Canada on Sept. 5 and Honduras
on Sept. 8.
Although the U.S. national team
showcased some impressive depth by also winning the Gold Cup earlier
this month with what amounted to its "B" team, being without Pulisic
for the qualifiers would be a major setback for the side as it
attempts to exorcise demons from missing the 2018 World Cup.
Chelsea has one more match, an Aug. 28
clash with Liverpool, before the three-match international break.
Tuchel didn't provide an update on the winger's potential
availability beyond Sunday.
Pulisic faced transfer speculation
following the 2020-21 season, during which he played an unsteady role
for the Blues, but he told ESPN FC's James Olley in May he was
focused on earning a more consistent spot in the club's starting XI.
"People have always doubted and
said: 'Oh, he's not playing. Does he want to go here, does he want to
go there?' I'm always up for a challenge, I love competing, I love
the position I'm in, and I'm enjoying my time here," he said.
Hakim Ziyech, who's recovered from a
shoulder injury, is among the options to replace Pulisic in the
Chelsea lineup against Arsenal.
Miles Robinson's Late Goal in Extra Time Lifts USA Past Mexico in 2021 Gold Cup Final
Aug 2, 2021
USA's defender Miles Robinson heads the ball during the Concacaf Gold Cup football match final between Mexico and USA at the Allegiant stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 1, 2021. (Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
For the full 90 minutes of regulation in Sunday's Gold Cup final between the United States and Mexico, the match was defined by missed opportunities.
His 117th-minute goal on Kellyn Acosta's brilliant free kick was the difference in the United States' 1-0 win in yet another entertaining and intenseāif sloppyāentry in this CONCACAF rivalry. Would you expect anything less when these two teams meet?
It was fitting that Robinsonāwho helped lead a stout defense throughout the tournamentāended the deadlock.
Miles Robinson SHOULD BE the Gold Cup Player of the Tournament. Periodt.
The #USMNT defense posted five shutouts and didn't allow a goal in the run of play, and Robinson was a HUGE reason for that.
"We were focusing a lot on set pieces," Robinson said after the game on the FS1 broadcast. "I knew if I could get open, get a half-step, I could finish one. Kellyn put a perfect ball in, so I had to finish it."
"I'm happy we got the W. That's all I can say." šŗšø
Robinson may have missed out on being named Player of the Tournament, but Matt Turner won Goalkeeper of the Tournament. The 27-year-old was an obvious selection because of his dominance.
This was a performance the USMNT and its fans won't soon forget, in large part because the squad that took the field for the Gold Cup was missing many of the country's best players. It was largely a second- and third-choice United States versus a Mexico side comprised of many of its best veterans.
Suffice to say, it was a gritty showing by the young Americans, who displayed immense heart and poise to win an extra-time showdown against their bitter rival.
Pretty impressive from #USMNT to win this Gold Cup given the lack of experience and the absence of key figures in this group.
WHAT a performance by this #USMNT squad. Facing the favored Mexicans, boasting its strong squad of European-based stars, this young USA side stepped up and knocked off El Tri.
A clean sweep of trophies this summer sure does suggest there's a new king of Concacaf.
It can't be overstated just how many good chances each side failed to capitalize on, however. Mexico controlled possession, peppering the United States with dangerous opportunities. The Stars and Stripes came into the game in the second half, posing a major threat on the counterattack.
All's well that ends well for the United States, which won its second consecutive final over Mexico for the first time in history. It also won the CONCACAF Nations League final over El Tri in June.
As for Mexico, well, there will be major questions to answer. Heated as this rivalry may be, there's no shame in losing to a USMNT with its full complement of stars. But losing to a largely unproven collection of American players?
Well, that can't be framed as anything less than a major disappointment.
USMNT vs. Qatar: 2021 Gold Cup Odds, Live Stream and Schedule
Jul 29, 2021
United States midfielder Sebastian Lletget (17) and goalkeeper Matt Turner (1) celebrate after their team's 1-0 win against Jamaica in a CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals soccer match, Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
The United States men's national team faces an unfamiliar foe Thursday in the Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals.
Qatar was invited to the competition as a guest team and worked its way into the semifinals to set up its first-ever clash with the USMNT.
Gregg Berhalter's team is using its second-string roster to navigate the Gold Cup, and it has done a decent job.Ā The Americans have conceded a single goal in four matches and ground out a trio of 1-0 results, including the quarterfinal triumph over Jamaica.
On the other hand, Qatar has been involved in more wide-open matches since at least two goals have been scored in each of its four matches.
Qatar got into the final four by way of a 3-2 win over El Salvador. The 2019 AFC Asian Cup champion has let up five goals in its four games to this point.
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USMNT vs. Qatar Info
Date:Ā Thursday, July 29
Start Time:Ā 7:30 p.m. ETĀ
TV:Ā FS1 (TV coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET)
Live Stream:Ā Fox Sports app and FoxSports.com.
Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook):Ā USMNT -105 (bet $105 to win $100); Qatar +320 (bet $100 to win $320); Draw (+245)
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Preview
Although Qatar is not viewed as an international powerhouse, it has come up with some impressive results over the past few years.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup host captured the 2019 Asian Cup and has held its own versus some of the better North AmericanĀ sides at the Gold Cup inĀ Panama, Honduras and El Salvador.
On Thursday, however, the Qataris will face a step up in competition against one of the confederation's top two sides.
The USMNT has not done anything flashy to reach the final four, but it has been strong in defense to make up for its lackluster attacking output.
Berhalter's men waited until the 83rd minute to find the breakthrough against Jamaica by way of the head of Matthew Hoppe, who is one of the few European-based players on the Gold Cup squad.
The mainly MLS-based players are fighting for spots on the back end of the depth chart for the start of World Cup qualifying in September.Ā Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and others will be available then, but with three games in the qualifying windows, the USMNT needs to have 23 strong players to pull out results.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner is trying to bridge the gap between himself and Zack Steffen for the No. 1 shirt. The New England Revolution man has three clean sheets at the Gold Cup.
Center backs Miles Robinson and James Sands have impressed in front of Turner over the past four games. Both players threw their names into contention for the second starting spot on the first team with Aaron Long out with an Achilles injury.
Robinson and Sands have other competition to start next to John Brooks, but they are both making a case to be included in the WCQ squad.
Hoppe, Daryl Dike and Gyasi Zardes are all fighting to be among the forwards selected in September.Ā Each player has displayed flashes of brilliance throughout the tournament. However, none of them have taken a commanding hold on the top striker spot.
If one of the forwards thrives against Qatar and in the Gold Cup final, he could pave his path into the September roster alongside Josh Sargent, Jozy Altidore and others.
The key for the Americans on Thursday will be to get on the front foot early. Qatar scored twice in the first eight minutes against El Salvador, and it scored four first-half goals in the group stage.Ā If the USMNT absorbs the early pressure from Qatar and works into the game in the attacking zone, it should create enough chances to pull ahead.
If Qatar's trend of scoring early continues, the USMNT will be forced to play from behind, which could benefit the young squad in its development, but the host side will hope that the match does not reach that point.
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USMNT vs. Canada: 2021 Gold Cup Odds, Live Stream and Schedule
Jul 18, 2021
KANSAS CITY, KS - JULY 15: Daryl Dike #11 of the United States scores a goal and celebrates during a game between Martinique and USMNT at Children's Mercy Park on July 15, 2021 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
The United States men's national team and Canada will play for first place in Group B at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup on Sunday.
Both squads have already advanced to the knockout stages by winning their first two games over Haiti and Martinique.
Canada holds a slight advantage over the USMNT in Group B thanks to scoring one more goal during its two wins.
The USMNT needs a win to top the group and likely avoid Mexico until the championship match. A draw or a win by Canada puts it into the final eight as the Group B victor.
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USMNT vs. Canada Info
Date:Ā Sunday, July 18
Start Time:Ā 5 p.m. ETĀ
TV:Ā Fox
Live Stream:Ā FoxSports.com and Fox Sports app
Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook):Ā USMNT -140 (bet $140 to win $100); Canada +500 (bet $100 to win $500); draw (+245)
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Preview
The USMNT and Canada did what they were expected to do in the Group B clashes with Haiti and Martinique.Ā
Canada put eight goals past its first two opponents. Besiktas striker Cyle Larin bagged three of those tallies and is tied with Honduras' Romell Quioto for the Golden Boot lead.
John Herdman's side is powered by a handful of MLS players, including Toronto FC's Jonathan Osorio and Tajon Buchanan of the New England Revolution.
The duo will be vital in stopping the USMNT inside Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City. Osorio will be tasked with shutting down the American presence on the ball in midfield. Buchanan, meanwhile, can surge forward on the wing to cause trouble for the USMNT defenders and could be key in stemming the moves from the home side on the flank.
USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter utilized two different lineups to earn six points from the first two Group B games. On Thursday, Gianluca Busio, Daryl Dike and Eryk Williamson were inserted into the starting XI.
Dike is one of the most in-form players in the tournament. He scored twice against Martinique after entering the Gold Cup off a fantastic loan spell at English Championship side Barnsley.Ā Dike could be paired with Gyasi Zardes to bring form and experience to the USMNT's strike force against its toughest opponent yet.
Busio and Williamson played well as a midfield duo versus Martinique, but they might not be back on the field together versus Canada.Ā Berhalter could give Jackson Yueill one more shot to impress in the middle of the park. The San Jose Earthquakes man had a disappointing performance against Haiti that allowed Busio and Williamson to start in the second group game.
No matter when Busio enters the pitch, more eyes will be on him. JournalistĀ Fabrizio Romano reported Saturday that the midfielder is on the move to Venezia in Serie A from Sporting Kansas City.
At the back, a trio of Walker Zimmerman, Miles Robinson and James Sands could work to fend off Larin and Co.
Each of the center backs is fighting for a roster spot for September's FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The second game of that set is against Canada in Nashville on September 5.
With Aaron Long out with an Achilles injury, the spot next to John Brooks is open. If Zimmerman, Robinson and Sands continue to play well, they can push up the depth chart.
Sunday will present the first significant defensive test for those players since, unlikeĀ Haiti and Martinique, most of Canada's roster has MLS experience or equal playing experience to the Americans.
The reward for the Group B winner could be avoiding Concacaf powerhouse Mexico until the final, but that is dependent on El Tri beating El Salvador at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on Sunday night. Mexico is two points behind El Salvador in Group A.
The Group B winner will take on the Group C runner-up, either Costa Rica or Jamaica, in the quarterfinals July 25. The Group B runner-up faces the Group C winner on the same date at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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United States Tops Martinique 6-1, Clinches Spot in 2021 Gold Cup Quarterfinals
Jul 16, 2021
U.S. forward Daryl Dike (11) celebrates with Cristian Roldan (10) and Gianluca Busio (6) after scoring a goal in the first half of the team's CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match against Martinique in Kansas City, Kan., Thursday, July 15, 2021. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Daryl Dike's two goals propelled the United States men's national soccer team to a 6-1 win over Martinique in CONCACAF Gold Cup group play on Thursday evening in Kansas City's Children's Mercy Park.
With the win, the United States clinched a top-two spot in Group B, thereby earning a place in the Gold Cup knockout stage. Martinique has been eliminated from knockout round contention.
The United States dominated all aspects of this match, amassing 12 shots on goal to Martinique's five and earning 65 percent possession. The U.S. also had 14 corner kicks to Martinique's zero.
The United States started rolling in the 14th minute after a sensational cross from Matthew Hoppe found its way to Dike, who buried the header.
Well worked boys! @DarylDike's second goal for the #USMNT, while @MatthewHoppe9 collects his first in his šŗšø debut!
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 16, 2021
Dike didn't get credit for the second goal, but his involvement led to the 2-0 lead.
The United States ramped up the pressure on Martinique, which failed to clear the ball from its own end. George Bello gets the credit for that effort, and the ball found its way to Hoppe before being sent in Gianluca Busio's direction.
Busio then fired a laser off the crossbar that found its way to Dike, who attempted to send the ball over the goal line.
Instead, Martinique defender Samuel Camille scored an own goal while attempting to clear the ball, leading to a 2-0 United States edge in the 23rd minute.
Here's our second of the night and it really is a team effort! šŗšø
Bello ā”ļø Hoppe ā”ļø Busio ā”ļø CROSSBAR ā”ļø Dike ā”ļø Own goal.
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 16, 2021
Dike was credited with the goal before it was changed to an own goal.
The USMNT took a 2-0 halftime lead, and its relentless attack didn't take long to ramp up in the beginning of the second half, with Eryk Williamson's cross finding Miles Robinson for the team's third score:
Eryk Williamson ā”ļø Miles Robinson ā”ļø 3-0 šŗšø!
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 16, 2021
It also didn't take Dike long to get his brace for real.
A pass to Cristian Roldan was quickly returned to the Orlando City SC star, who then split the Martinique defense and chipped the ball over goaltender Gilles Meslien for the United States' fourth goal.
Undeterred, the United States opened up a four-goal advantage once again. Roldan earned his second assist of the night after firing a long through ball to Gyasi Zardes, who took advantage of a defensive breakdown for the 5-1 lead:
The United States' last goal came courtesy of a player who plays in Kansas City (Sporting KC's Busio) and one who was born there (Nicholas Gioacchini). Gioacchini took Busio's cross and finished the job:
The United States will now face Canada to close Group B play Sunday at 5 p.m. ET from Kansas City. Like the USMNT, Canada has defeated both Martinique and Haiti to earn six points to advance to the Gold Cup knockout round.
The only thing left to figure out is which team will emerge as the group winner, which will go on to face the Group C runner-up in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, July 25. The Group B runner-up will take on the Group C winner at the same location and date.
Canada will be the Group B winner if its match with the United States ends in a draw. The two teams would be tied on the first Gold Cup group tiebreaker (goal differential at plus-six), but Canada owns the edge on the second tiebreaker of goals scored (eight to seven).
Through one round in Group C, Costa Rica and Jamaica have one win each in Group C play, beating Guadeloupe and Suriname, respectively.
USMNT vs. Martinique: 2021 Gold Cup Odds, Live Stream and Schedule
Jul 15, 2021
Sporting Kansas City forward Gianluca Busio dribbles the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match against the Houston Dynamo Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Kansas City, Kan. Kansas City won 3-1. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The United States men's national team continues group-stage play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup against one of the confederation's minnows Thursday.
Gregg Berhalter's side faces Martinique in its second contest at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City.Ā The USMNT fought to a 1-0 win in its opening game with Haiti. Thursday's match is expected to be more straightforward.
Martinique fell 4-1 to Canada in its Group B opener and has allowed 17 goals over its past three Gold Cup appearances. Three of those concessions came against the USMNT in the 2017 group stage.
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USMNT vs. Martinique Info
Date:Ā Thursday, July 15
Start Time:Ā 9:30 p.m. ETĀ
TV:Ā FS1
Live Stream:Ā Fox Sports app and FoxSports.com
Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook):Ā USMNT -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100); Martinique +2200 (bet $100 to win $2,200); draw +1200
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Preview
Martinique is an interesting foe for the USMNT in that the sides only meet competitively in CONCACAF competitions.
The Caribbean nation is not a registered member of FIFA, so it can't participate in World Cup qualifying.Ā But Martinique's CONCACAF charter means it is able to enter the Gold Cup, and it has qualified for each of the past three competitions.
The majority of Martinique's squad plays in the domestic league, but there are some French-born players on the roster.
Crotone strikerĀ Emmanuel Riviere, who played for Newcastle United between 2014 and 2017, is the most notable player in the squad. He scored in the group opener against Canada.
Traditionally, Martinique's defense has been its biggest weakness, as goals have flowed in from its higher-rated opponents.
In 2017, Panama and the USMNT put up three goals each on Martinique. Mexico and Canada totaled seven goals against the island territory in 2019, and the latter tallied four Sunday. Consequently, the USMNT is expected to breeze past Martinique to set up a showdown for first place with Canada in the Group B finale.
Martinique tested the USMNT for a 10-minute stretch back in 2017, when Kevin Parsemain scored twice in eight minutes. Jordan Morris quickly answered with his second goal of that match to finish off a 3-2 victory.
If the USMNT exploits the same defensive lapses Canada did Sunday, its attacking players should feast in the final third.
Gianluca Busio should be one of the chance creators inserted into the fold by Berhalter. The USMNT looked more dynamic when the Sporting Kansas City player entered late in the second half Sunday.Ā He should take the starting position of Jackson Yueill, who has underwhelmed in his past few appearances in central midfield for the USMNT.
Berhalter should let the 19-year-old Busio have a chance to showcase his talents in a low-pressure situation to see what he could bring to the squad later in the tournament.
A case could be made to add Orlando City striker Daryl Dike to the setup as well. He is behind Gyasi Zardes on the Gold Cup depth chart, but he is deserving of more playing time versus a weaker foe.
Dike is carrying a ton of confidence from his successful loan spell in the English Championship with Barnsley, and a few strong performances in the Gold Cup could boost his transfer value if European clubs come calling.
Berhalter might be obliged to rest a few starters from the Haiti win to get some players minutes and to rest the first-choice stars for the Canada match Sunday. He will have to replace Paul Arriola because of an injury he picked up against Haiti. Reggie Cannon (hamstring) is not yet available for selection at right back.
Barring a significant upset in Group B, the USMNT and Canada will play for first place Sunday. Canada plays Haiti in Thursday's first match.
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Sam Vines' Early Goal Propels USA Past Haiti in 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup
Jul 12, 2021
United States defender Sam Vines (3) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match against Haiti, Sunday, July 11, 2021, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The United States men's national team opened the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 1-0 victory over Haiti at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, on Sunday.
This was the USMNT's fourth straight win and its ninth victory in its past 10 matches.
Haiti hasn't beaten the U.S. since 1973. Les Grenadiers were also short-handed after CONCACAF announced five of their players had tested positive for COVID-19 and went into isolation.
Sam Vines didn't wait around before disappointing those wanting to see an upset.
The Colorado Rapids defender was in the right place at the right time after Gyasi Zardes flicked a Shaquell Moore cross into Vines' path for a header from close range.
According to U.S. Soccer, Zardes' assist made him the second-fastest USMNT player (57 caps) with at least 10 goals and 10 assists. Landon Donovan holds the record after achieving the feat in 50 caps.
Vines' goal was the perfect start for a squad with something to prove in the tournament.
On the heels of winning the CONCACAF Nations League, coach Gregg Berhalter selected a 23-man roster that was missing a number of top stars. Jumping ahead early will have helped ease the pressure on a group that doesn't have much experience playing together.
The United States did encounter a setback in the form of an injury to Paul Arriola, who was subbed off in the 14th minute after experiencing an apparent leg issue.
Arriola missed significant time because of a torn ACL in February 2020, which added a layer of concern to his exit Sunday.
Like him or not, Arriola was an absolutely critical piece to this #USMNT squad. Fingers crossed it isn't as bad as it looks and he'll be ready for Canada.
In general, the United States' lack of continuity became apparent as it was unable to maintain any momentum after Vines' goal.
Derrick Etienne wasn't far off from connecting on an equalizer as his shot in the 20th minute flew to the right of the post and hit the side netting.
The USMNT simply looked a bit sluggish, particularly in the first half.
In these first 45 mins, one thing that has been uncharacteristic of the USMNT has been the pressure once the ball is lost. Usually there's a quick, intense chase to force a turnover.
Ofc, these are new players that need a couple miles on their odometer with the US and Berhalter
Nicholas Gioacchini, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, nearly had quite the homecoming in the 66th minute. His low shot eluded Haitian goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre but caromed off the left post and away from danger.
Sporting Kansas City forward Gianluca Busio briefly brought the crowd to life again in the 76th minute, when he fired a powerful shot at goal that forced a save out of Sylvestre.
This isn't a performance that will live long in the memory of supporters, but Berhalter will be content to come away with three points.
The USMNT should continue to improve as it gets deeper into the tournament, too, as the players build more of an on-field rapport.
What's Next?
The United States and Haiti are back in action Thursday. The U.S. will take on Martinique, while Haiti will get the day started against Canada.
USMNT vs. Haiti: 2021 Gold Cup Odds, Live Stream and Schedule
Jul 11, 2021
SANDY, UTAH - JUNE 09: Walker Zimmerman #3 of the United States in action during a game against Costa Rica at Rio Tinto Stadium on June 09, 2021 in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
The United States men's national team opens up its CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage play on Sunday against Haiti.Ā
The USMNT is one month removed from winning the first-ever CONCACAF Nations League, but the squad that won that title over Mexico in Denver will not be present at the Gold Cup.
Gregg Berhalter has called upon a roster of players primarily based in Major League Soccer to win the Gold Cup while the European club stars prepare for preseason across the pond.Ā
Of course, the USMNT will try to win the trophy, but that is not the only motivation for the players inside the squad.Ā
The likes of Gianluca Busio, Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman will have opportunities to impress Berhalter and potentially play their way into the World Cup qualifying squad this fall.Ā
The USMNT will play each of its three group games at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City. Meetings with Haiti and Martinique should serve as warm-ups ahead of the group-stage finale with Canada.Ā
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USMNT vs. Haiti Info
Date:Ā Sunday, July 11
Start Time: 8:30Ā p.m. ET
TV:Ā FS1
Live Stream:Ā FoxSports.com and Fox Sports app
Odds (via DraftKings Sportsbook):Ā USMNT (-375; bet $375 to win $100); Haiti (+900; bet $100 to win $900); Draw (+425)
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Preview
The USMNT should have an easy Sunday night in Kansas City against Haiti.
The Haitians needed to win two Gold Cup qualifying matches last week just to qualify for the competition. Haiti defeated Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Bermuda by a combined score of 10-2 in Fort Lauderdale.Ā
Haiti was the surprise of the 2019 Gold Cup, as it reached the semifinals through a quarterfinal win over Canada.Ā
However, Haiti failed to directly qualify for the Gold Cup, and it has never beaten the USMNT in three Gold Cup matches.Ā
Even though the first-teamers are on holiday, or preparing for their European preseasons, the USMNT still boasts a dangerous roster that should earn six points from the matches with Haiti and Martinique.Ā
Gyasi Zardes should be the focal point of the attack to start the tournament. The Columbus Crew man has the most caps of any field player on the USMNT roster and owns 12 international tallies.Ā
Daryl Dike, Nicholas Gioacchini and Matthew Hoppe are deserving of chances off the bench, or next to Zardes, but they will not be the primary forwards to start.
Dike should have the best odds to breakthrough in the final third on the international level after a wildly successful loan spell with Barnsley in the English Championship.
The Orlando City striker is one of the hottest American names on the transfer rumor mill because of his exploits in the English second division.Ā
Gianluca Busio, a 19-year-old midfielder, is another player to watch from a transfer perspective. MLSSoccer.com's Tom Bogert reported on Friday that promoted Serie A side Venezia were inching closer to signing the Sporting Kansas City player.Ā
Busio will fight for minutes alongside Sebastian Lletget, Paul Arriola and others in midfield. Lletget and Arriola are veteran mainstays who are two of the most likely players on the Gold Cup roster to be involved at the start of World Cup qualifying.Ā
Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson may be under the most focus from the first-team perspective. With Aaron Long out with an Achilles injury, Berhalter does not have a partner for John Brooks at center back set in stone.Ā
If Zimmerman and Robinson impress throughout the Gold Cup, they could be elevated to the "A" team to fight alongside Mark McKenzie and Matt Miazga for a starting spot in September.Ā
If the two center backs combine well, they should limit the threat ofĀ forward Duckens Nazon, Haiti's best player who plays in Belgium for Sint-Truiden.Ā
As long as the USMNT defense remains strong in its containment of Nazon, it should hold a clean sheet and have a chance to win by multiple goals.
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