While the Gold Cup is a tricky tournament that takes place in the heat of summer, just when the United States’ European-based players need a break, a 1-1 draw with Jamaica on Saturday shows how hard it is to win in Concacaf. Damion Lowe’s goal was canceled out by Brandon Vazquez’s contribution from the bench but depending on goals scored the rest of the way, it could be enough to see Jamaica win Group A. There is time for the United States to rebound but with the Gold Cup being a proving ground, who improved their stock or potentially hurt their chances?
With the USMNT improving following the addition of Folarin Balogun, spots in the starting lineup are few and far between, so good performances from this tournament can go a long way. Here’s our latest stock watch:
Stock down: Jesus Ferreira as a striker
It’s not that Ferreira had a bad game as he did create chances that USMNT players weren’t able to take, but putting him out there without a clear goal scorer can’t continue to happen. With the national team, Ferrerira has become more of a support striker or a number 10 behind someone like Vazquez to create space for others to score. While Ferreira can shoot, he’s better at making space for others to score than at creating his own. Strikers creating their own space has been one of the biggest breaths of fresh air with the inclusion of Balogun in the squad. He can pivot and contort his body to get shots off in a way that other strikers can’t.
Stock up: Brandon Vazquez
Speaking of strikers, the ability to be in the right place at the right time is critical and that’s just what Vazquez did to score his goal. Scoring his second goal for the USMNT, it feels like the pecking order of strikers is becoming clear. The group of four is Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Josh Sargent and Vazquez. Scoring goals with ease, Vazquez brings a more physical profile than some of the other forwards in the group, and continuing…
