The United States fought back to defeat Canada on penalties to advance to the semifinals of the Gold Cup but just like their opening draw against Jamaica, it was a time that showed that this team still struggles against top Concacaf opposition. Given the unfamiliarity around B.J. Callaghan’s roster, some mistakes are to be expected, but the team was quite lucky to win despite Canada not having many chances of their own. It took a wild own goal to force penalties and with Panama next up, it’s another tie where the midfield could have similar issues as Adalberto Carrasquilla has been having an amazing tournament in the center of the park.
With that, it’s a good time to look at some of the stock of players who took part in the Canada match:
Stock down: Jalen Neal
Almost conceding an own goal in the first half, Neal’s distribution wasn’t up to par for the young defender. Matches like this one are great learning experiences for young players like him but if everyone is fit, keeping things calm at the back could be a reason to start Matt Miazga and Miles Robinson together against Panama. The future is quite bright for Neal and his play in possession was a large reason why the USMNT were able to push so high up the pitch against smaller Concacaf sides but some of those strengths can become weaknesses against teams with experience.
Stock up: Brandon Vazquez
Scoring his third goal in Gold Cup play after coming off the bench, the dangerous feel that something will happen is present each time that Vazquez features. Always floating into space, playing Vazquez alongside Jesus Ferreira seems to be the optimal solution for opening teams up. With Ferreira starting each match so far and also playing 120 minutes versus Canada, that may be a way to close out the Panama match rather than start it so that Callaghan can give his striker a rest. The duo have a good understanding of playing alongside each other,…
