The big strength of the USMNT remains at the heart of their midfield. Captain Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones are experienced campaigners from their time in Europe, and are both capable of controlling the game in the center of the park with their dynamic runs forward.
The US could also benefit from strong wing play from DeAndre Yedlin and Fabian Johnson. The two were standout performers in the 2014 World Cup, and will be coming off successful seasons with their respective clubs.
The Americans are priced at +500 to win the Copa America Centenario on home soil.
Team Weaknesses:
The Americans will have a huge hole to fill up front with the injury to star striker Jozy Altidore. His absence puts the burden on the inexperienced Bobby Wood, 33-year-old Clint Dempsey and 17-year-old prodigy Christian Pulisic to provide goals for the team.
There’s also a bit of uncertainty at the back. Manager Jurgen Klinsmann, who could also be considered another weakness with his track record of questionable decisions in recent tournaments, has yet to commit to a first-choice central defensive partnership in front of goalie Brad Guzan.
Team Stats (Last Five Competitive Games):
Category
Stat
Form
LWDLW
Goals Scored Per Game
2.4
Goals Conceded Per Game
1.2
Shots Per Game (On Goal)
13 (5.2)
Shots Allowed Per Game (On Goal)
11 (3.4)
Starting Lineup:
Position
Name (Age)
Career Caps
Goals
Goalie
Brad Guzan (31)
42
0
Defender
DeAndre Yedlin (22)
31
0
Defender
Geoff Cameron (30)
39
4
Defender
Matt Besler (29)
31
0
Defender
Timmy Chandler (26)
26
1
Midfielder
Graham Zusi (29)
33
4
Midfielder
Kyle Beckerman (34)
52
1
Midfielder
Michael Bradley (28)
113
15
Midfielder
Fabian Johnson (28)
42
2
Forward
Clint Dempsey (33)
122
49
Forward
Bobby Wood (23)
16
4
Writer’s Prediction
The US underwhelms yet again as they crash out in the quarterfinals.
