THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

BY: SEAN MASLIN

Of course, the biggest storyline is the United States. After a dismal run in the lead up to the 2018 World Cup which saw the side miss the World Cup for the first time since 1986, the USMNT appear to back and reloaded. Head Coach Gregg Berhalter and General Manager Brian McBride strategy of playing their top players at the Nations League and using the Gold Cup to assess their depth paid o with the USMNT winning both competitions and giving players such as Miles Robinson, George Bello, Matt Turner and Kellyn Acosta a chance to shine. Perhaps what is more important than the wins is who they were against: Mexico. While the Nations League final can be understood within El Tri circles as an ‘A’ level side defeating an ‘A’ level side the Gold Cup match against a third string U.S. team is an entirely di erent situation. While El Tri was without Chucky Lozano and Raul Jimenez, losing to the U.S. ‘C’ team sent shockwaves across the region. Yes, the U.S. being back was part of the story, but perhaps the bigger story is that Mexico is vulnerable. Mexico and their head coach Tata Martino are in a tough spot because while there is a need to go through a youth movement, the youth aren’t quite ready. That means relying once again on veterans like Guillermo Ochoa and

'USING THE GOLD CUP TO ASSESS THEIR DEPTH PAID OFF' DID YOU KNOW?

The top 5 seeded CONCACAF teams, based on the FIFA World Rankings, get a bye straight to the third round of World Cup Qualifications.

1. Mexico 2. United States 3. Costa Rica 4. Jamaica 5. Honduras

Gregg Berhalter, USA Coach Carlos Vela, while hoping that Lozano and Jimenez can stay healthy. The dynamic of a young and inexperienced USMNT and an aging El Tri has opened the door for a flurry of di erent contenders in the region. Of the rest of the field, Canada look primed to make the biggest jump. Superstars Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David have completely changed the fortunes of the CANMNT program, getting the side back into the final round of qualification for the first time in a decade. While neither played in the Gold Cup, head coach John Herdman found success with Tajon Buchanan, Stephan Estuaquio and Cyle Larin. While the North American sides have made waves, the sides from Central America and the Carribean (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Jamaica, and Panama) are all certainly capable

ABOVE: The USA Men's National Team with the 2021 Gold Cup Trophy

BOTTOM LEFT: Matt Turner had a great Nations League and Gold Cup

BOTTOM RIGHT: Relying on veterans like Guillermo Ochoa wasn't enough for Mexico to defeat the USA

'SUPERSTARS ALPHONSO DAVIES AND JONATHAN DAVID HAVE COMPLETELY CHANGED THE FORTUNES OF THE CANMNT PROGRAM'

When it comes to CONCACAF World Cup Qualification, it only takes one game to change everything. Here are the top ten games to keep an eye on. (Home teams first)

El Salvador versus Costa Rica (March 27th)

Canada versus United States (January 30th)

Jamaica versus Canada (October 10th)

Mexico versus Honduras (October 10th)

United States versus Mexico (November 12th)

Costa Rica versus Honduras (November 16th)

Mexico versus Costa Rica (January 30th)

El Salvador versus Canada (February 2nd)

Mexico versus United States (March 24th)

Panama versus Canada (March 30th)

of qualifying for Qatar 2022. While Costa Rica with the likes of Keylor Navas, Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell will be the favorite to finish in the top four-their age was exposed in the Gold Cup. Panama too struggled, failing to make it out of the Group Stage losing to an emboldened Honduran side and an energized Romell Quioto. If Los Catrachos can get Alberth Ellis going alongside Quioto and their stout defense, they may turn heads. In terms of dark horses, keep an eye on both El Salvador and Jamaica. El Salvador had a fantastic Gold Cup, making the Quarterfinals and pushing both Mexico and Qatar to their limit. Head Coach Hugo Perez’s recruiting e orts have paid o handsomely, finding players that match his counter-attacking style of play. Forward Joaquin Rivas, who scored three goals for La Selecta during the Gold Cup, may be the breakout star of qualification. As for The Reggae Boyz, keep an eye on superstar forward Leon Bailey of Bayer Leverkusen. For years, Jamaica’s backline led by Kemar Lawrence and goalkeeper of Andre Blake have led the way. While their defense is still one of the best in the region, Bailey can finally give them a bit of balance. While World Cup Qualification in CONCACAF is always crazy and full of drama, this cycle may just take the cake. With each FIFA international window including three matches as opposed to the usual two expect plenty of roster shu ing and plenty of upsets. The region has never been more balanced top to bottom which should make for some excellent matches and a great race to Qatar.

DID YOU KNOW?

After the first two rounds of CONCACAF Qualifying, Canada's Cyle Larin is second in scoring with 7 goals. Only El Salvador's David Rugamas has more, with 8.

Cyle Larin ABOVE: Alphonso Davies continuously improves the face of Canadian Soccer

BOTTOM LEFT: Jonathan David for Team Canada

BOTTOM RIGHT: Keylor Navas has the potential to bring Costa Rica to the World Cup