5 US players to watch in the Gold Cup
Though the United States lineup for World Cup qualifying this fall is mostly set, there are spots on the bench up for grabs. With a strong performance in the Gold Cup, these five players have a chance of making head coach Bruce Arena’s roster for those crucial matches to secure a bid to Russia in 2018 — and beyond.
Eric Lichaj, defender, Nottingham Forest
A talented right back who can play on the left as well, Lichaj has been a mainstay in Nottingham Forest’s starting eleven in the Championship, the second division in England, and was named Forest’s best player this past season. He has 11 caps with the US, and his reintroduction to the national team couldn’t come at a better time. With outside defenders such as Graham Zusi and DeMarcus Beasley getting up in years, the 26-year-old Lichaj could find himself back in the national team fold as DeAndre Yedlin’s backup at what historically has been a merry-go-round position for the US.
Paul Arriola, winger, Club Tijuana
Arriola is a fast winger who likes to run at people. The 22-year-old playmaker struggled in Saturday’s 2-1 tuneup win over Ghana, but he offers an appetizing combination of speed and fearlessness, a true grit type favored by Arena. If he can perform like he did against Mexico in the World Cup qualifier in June, Arriola could find himself in the national team’s starting lineup come September. A poor showing could hurt his chances at making the roster at all, even as a backup.
Dom Dwyer, striker, Sporting Kansas City
Also known as the husband of women’s star Sydney Leroux, the London-born Dwyer became an American citizen in March, and he scored his first international goal in his US debut, in the 19th minute against Ghana. Jozy Altidore and Bobby Wood are locks at forward, so Dwyer, 26, is competing for a reserve role with Jordan Morris, a Jurgen Klinsmann favorite who has struggled when called into US camp. Though Dwyer’s game isn’t always pretty, he has a knack for net (57 goals in 128 games) and makes the most sense as a high-intensity late-substitute option for the US.
Matt Hedges, defender, FC Dallas
The 2016 MLS Defender of the Year was called into this January’s camp with Arena, but a knee injury derailed his long-awaited showcase (he previously made his debut in a friendly against Panama in 2015). Hedges, 27, is competing at one of the deepest positions for the US, but if he performs in the Gold Cup like he has for FC Dallas, he can knock off Sporting Kansas City defender Matt Besler for the final roster spot at defensive back.
Dax McCarty, midfielder, Chicago Fire
The former Red Bulls captain finally seems primed to breakthrough to the US roster, especially with veteran Kyle Beckerman no longer in the midfield picture. McCarty, 30, is an appealing option off the bench to spell midfield staple Michael Bradley. McCarty completed more than 95 percent of passes (62 of 65) in the tune up win against Ghana. More of that and he will punch his ticket to Russia.