The U.S. national team is well aware that there’s a target on its back for this CONCACAF Gold Cup, which is why every match, including Friday night’s tilt against Haiti at Gillette Stadium, will be a real challenge.
Never mind that the U.S.’ players are among the best in Major League Soccer or compete in top European leagues. Forget about the fact that more than half of coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s roster has World Cup experience. Don’t discount North, Central American and Caribbean nations because they can’t break into the top 100 of the world rankings and are second fiddle to likes of the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica when it comes to qualifying for a major world event.
When the U.S. is on the schedule, the region’s teams are automatically up for the game.
No venue has showcased that fact as well as Gillette Stadium. Though the U.S. carries an unbeaten, 6-0-2 record all-time at Gillette Stadium in Gold Cup action, many of their results here have been tough to grind out. For example, in 2009, which is the last time the U.S. played a Gold Cup game in Foxborough, Haiti took a 2-1 lead before a stoppage time goal by Stuart Holden helped the Americans eek out a disappointing tie.
Past Gold Cup games at Gillette Stadium have also showcased a U.S. team that on paper is head and shoulders above its opposition, but for some reason plays down a level.
The expectation is that the U.S. to handily defeats the Haitians on Friday night and eventually wins the whole tournament, capturing a key berth in the 2017 Confederations Cup. But there’s also an expectation for the U.S. not to show the same, non-disciplined form that doomed them the last time they played Haiti.
“Haiti’s always unpredictable,” said U.S. forward Jozy Altidore after training on Thursday. “Since I was young, in games that I watched them and went to until now, you never no what you’re going to get it. A lot of that’s a good thing, because sometimes they have players that can make something out of nothing…it’s something you have to be aware of.”
Victories in recent weeks and months against Mexico, the Netherlands, and Germany have put plenty of worldwide hype on the U.S. Their 4-0 victory last week in a friendly versus Guatemala gave the offense some momentum, while their 2-1 victory over Honduras in the Gold Cup opener nicely tested the Americans’ ability to close out results.
Still, there’s no denying the U.S.’ style of play is rough around the edges. True, many of Klinsmann’s call-ups are only just beginning to acclimate to international competition. But these players are supposed to be seasoned professionals, who, to boot, are being led by a slew of the region’s most talented veterans.
Having a crossing accuracy of 37%, as was the case against Guatemala, isn’t acceptable. Neither is getting out-shot 16-6, as was the case against Honduras.
Play like that leaves room for error, which teams outside the Gold Cup will capitalize on. Ultimately the Gold Cup is a tournament—this year, a way for the U.S. to reach the important Confederations Cup in Russia.
But games against CONCACAF teams are invaluable tools for player development and non-friendly, competitive experience for those who have never played in a World Cup qualifier. Mistakes will happen. But recognizing them and striking them from the routine is a different business altogether.
Klinsmann has a solid grasp on his team and his player pool, as well as how to teach the U.S. tactics. The U.S. needs to take down Haiti, but will need to do it in a way that’s beneficial for the overall tournament run as well as the future of the national team.
If you want to reach Julian, email him at julianccardillo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @juliancardillo
