BARCA WOMENS TAKE THE FIRST

2021 CONCACAF GOLD CUP PREVIEW

THE RETURN OF THE U.S.-MEXICO RIVALRY

Perhaps the biggest storyline entering into this year’s competition is the matter of the state of the United States and Mexico rivalry. After years of fl at derby matches, it fi nally seems to be back after the USMNT’s wild 3-2 win over El Tri in the CONCACAF Nations League Final. That match saw multiple lead changes, Mexico manager Gerardo Martino sent off , a penalty kick goal in extra time, and a penalty kick save by USMNT goalkeeper Ethan Horvath. A potential Gold Cup match may be a little diff erent (rosters will be more domesticbased with many of the European clubs asking that players stay at home for COVID/ preseason preparation purposes), but make no mistake about it: a potential match will be just as intense as their matchup back in June. The reason for this is simple: both sides have something to play for. For the United States and coach Gregg Berhalter, there is still plenty of roster building to do ahead of World Cup Qualifi cation. While their starting XI for qualifi cation seems to be largely set there still are questions along the back four. Defenders Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC), Andres Perea (Orlando City SC), and George Bello (Atlanta United) are all looking to breakthrough and earn a spot in the regular eighteen-man roster. Paul Arriola (D.C. United) is also looking to break back into the USMNT after having sustained a serious knee injury last year. Winning the Gold Cup is certainly at the top of Berhalter’s agenda (the USMNT haven’t won the tournament since 2017) but so too is fi nding the right pieces ahead of Qualifi cation. As for Mexico, the goals are simple: Win or Martino may be axed. The Mexican Federation made their expectations clear that winning the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup were critical to their long-term goals. Martino’s side failed to deliver on the fi rst opportunity and now face a situation where their manager’s job is on the line. If El Tri is to once again claim the Gold Cup, they have to fi nd more attacking options. Martino has yet to really fi nd young attacking players that can replace the likes of Chicharito Hernandez (Los Angeles Galaxy), Andres Guardado (Real Betis), and Raul Jimenez (Wolverhampton). Of the domestic-based players likely to be called up, Alexis Vega and Juan Macias Marin (both of Chivas de Guadalajara) seem to be the most likely to break out. The duo combined to score 21 goals

AS FOR MEXICO, THE GOALS ARE SIMPLE: WIN OR MARTINO MAY BE AXED.

ABOVE: The United States Men's National Team celebrating their 2021 CONCACAF Nations League Championship

LEFT: Gerardo Martino, head coach of the Mexico Men's National Team

2021 CONCACAF GOLD CUP PREVIEW

for Chivas last year and have received multiple call-ups since October. Although a potential USMNT-Mexico derby at this year’s Gold Cup might be lacking the superstars elements, it will still certainly be a bitter contest.

CANADA, COSTA RICA OUT TO BREAK THE TWO HORSE RACE

While the United States and Mexico are favorites to win the tournament make no mistake about it: This will not be a cakewalk. Each group features multiple sides that can take it to the USMNT and El Tri and may just earn a spot in the fi nals. Of the remaining sides in the fi eld, Costa Rica seems to be the biggest challenger to the throne. The Ticas are still a strong defensive side that likes to make runs through the counter-attack. Longstanding midfi elders Celso Borges and Bryan Ruiz (Alajuelense) are in the twilight of their career but will undoubtedly help manager Ronald Gonzalez Brenes in tight situations. Forward Ariel Lassiter (Houston Dynamo) is perceived by many as being the next great Costa Rican striker. Having the chance to play alongside Ruiz, Borges, and Joel Campbell (Leon) during this tournament will help in his development and benefi t the Ticas in the long-term. Canada is also on the rise in the region and will likely use this tournament to help build ahead of a big World Cup Qualifi cation run. Defender Richie Laryea (Orlando City SC), midfi elder Tajon Buchanan (New England Revolution), and forward Lucas Cavallini (Vancouver Whitecaps) are all having fantastic seasons with their club sides and were major players in getting Les Rouges back into the fi nal round of World Cup Qualifi cation.

WHO ARE THE DARK HORSES?

In every Gold Cup, there are always one or two sides that fi nd their form during the Group Stages, hold their own against a top side, and then earn a shocking win in the knockout stage. The unpredictability of the tournament is what it makes so much fun to watch and at the same time can give fans a few gray hairs. Of the teams in the pool perhaps the biggest dark horse is Qatar. The 2022 World Cup hosts will be participating in this year’s tournament to help prepare them for what lies ahead. Although pundits will point out that all of their players play in the Qatari Super League, one must remember that this is the same side that won the AFC Asian Cup in 2019 and held their own against stiff competition in the 2019 Copa America. In terms of the level of diffi culty that they will face at the Gold Cup it seems like it will be somewhere in the middle with Honduras once again fi nding its footing and Curaçao/ Grenada already out of World Cup Qualifying. Speaking of Los Catrachos, Honduras has brought back another veteran-heavy side for the Gold Cup with Maynor Figueroa back at the age of 38 and Oscar Bonniek Garcia leading the midfi eld at 37. The player to keep an eye on though is Alberth Ellis, who has had a fantastic season at Boavista in Portugal and was named to the CONCACAF Nations League Best XI. Honduras has struggled for years to fi nd any semblance of attacking presence. If the Black Panther can deliver at the Gold Cup, they may fi nd themselves in the fi nal. Jamaica also has the potential to shock some teams and make another deep run in the tournament. Goalkeeper Andre Blake is the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year for the Philadelphia Union and has really found his footing for the Reggae Boyz in recent appearances. Centerback Kemar Lawrence (Toronto FC) is considered to be one of the top defenders in the region and has helped bring stability to a side that is historically more known for their speed and attacking prowess.

ABOVE: Canadian Forward, Lucas Cavalini

TOP RIGHT: Bryan Ruiz is in the twilight of his career, and ready to make a splash in the tournament.

RIGHT: The Qatar National team is the biggest dark horse in this year's edition of the Gold Cup