Assessing Team USA Post-Gold Cup

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: August 6, 2013

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The United States men's national team has been on a roll as of late, and most recently, they took back the Gold Cup.

The 2013 tournament was all about the Americans. They capped off the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Panama. The tournament was a definite plus for the squad. It has given them more confidence moving forward as the attention turns back towards World Cup qualifying.

It is important to note that due to qualifying the Gold Cup rosters were not at full force. However, that has had some positives for the USMNT. Most notably, it will assist head coach Jurgen Klinsmann in filling out the depth chart.

Where is the team now?

At keeper, Tim Howard will still be between the posts. He was not participating at the Gold Cup, but as one of the top keepers in the world, the U.S. is lucky to have him. Nick Rimando stepped up, and he will be the backup headed to Brazil. The keeper position is on lock.

One of the major concerns for the USMNT has been the defense. It has routinely been a problem, and since Klinsman took over, we have seen a myriad of changes along the backline.

The Gold Cup was a chance for players to step up.

That did not happen. If anything, it only went to show how far the U.S. still has to go.

The defenders let in too many goals against too inferior of competition, and the set piece defense still has to improve. Klinsmann still has a lot of work to put in before the World Cup if the U.S. wants to make a significant run in the tournament.

The forward position is one of the most exciting for the U.S. Landon Donovan is the linchpin for the team, and Jozy Altidore is finally living up to his potential on the international stage. Altidore didn't participate at the Gold Cup, but his World Cup qualifying performances have solidified his position.

Also exciting, players that would come off the bench are showing their offensive ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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