After an unconvincing performance in the group stages, manager Bruce Arena decided to shake things up for the USMNT. He called up six MLS-based veterans to boost the American squad for their quarterfinal showdown against El Salvador. As is permitted by Gold Cup competition rules, Arena brought in Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, Jesse Gonzalez and Darlington Nagbe for the all-important last eight clash. Howard, Dempsey, Bradley and Altidore all have more than 100 international caps each and they are expected to provide that much-needed experience to the USMNT.
All eyes in particular will be on Dempsey who is just one international goal away from tying Landon Donovan’s team record of 57. The pressure is on Dempsey to deliver now that Dom Dwyer has been dropped from the squad. The Sporting Kansas City forward played in all three Group B matches, netting in the first two against Panama and Martinique.
Even with just one victory in the group stages, El Salvador managed to sneak in to the quarterfinals. La Selecta’s win against Curacao coupled by their draw against Jamaica helped them book a last eight showdown with powerhouse USA. They faced each other in this same stage back in 2013 with the Americans emerging 5-1 victors. Clarence Goodson, Joe Corona, Eddie Johnson, Landon Donovan and Mix Diskerud scored for the USMNT in that rout.
Eduardo Lara’s side will need to find something extra if they are to avoid that same fate Wednesday night. One guy who needs to step up for La Selecta is Nelson Bonilla. The Nacional forward has netted twice in the Gold Cup so far. That’s half of El Salvador’s scoring output in this year’s competition. Bonilla has scored 12 goals in 36 appearances for the national team.
Writer’s Prediction
The USMNT (-600) barge into the semis with a comprehensive 3-0 win.
