The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) advances to the semifinals of the Concacaf Gold Cup, facing Guatemala at Energizer Park in St. Louis tonight at 7 p.m. ET on FS1. Both teams secured their places in this round after edging past their respective quarterfinal matches in thrilling penalty shootouts.
Here are five crucial aspects to note ahead of the USA vs. Guatemala semifinal clash:
1. Strengthening Connections
The current USMNT squad has been together for about a month, forming critical bonds since their training camp commenced in early June. Although the 26-player roster entered the Gold Cup with limited international experience, averaging just 16 caps per player, they appear to have developed a strong team chemistry. After their quarterfinal victory over Costa Rica, captain Tim Ream emphasized the importance of the relationships forming within the team. “The bonds that are being created in such a short amount of time, I don’t think you can speak about it enough,” he noted. Coach Mauricio Pochettino echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in the team’s unity and determination to represent the country with fervor.
2. Former Teammates
Guatemala brings a couple of notable players with connections to U.S. Soccer. Rubio Rubín and Aaron Herrera have previously represented the U.S. at different levels before switching allegiance to Guatemala. Rubín, who played for the senior team, scored two of Guatemala’s four tournament goals. U.S. midfielder Tyler Adams, who played alongside Herrera in youth competitions, acknowledged the uniqueness of facing off against former teammates, but he also recognized Guatemala’s resilience, highlighting that their semifinal berth is no accident.
3. Tim Ream’s Hometown Return
St. Louis native Tim Ream will experience a special homecoming, playing in a Gold Cup match in his hometown for the first time. The 37-year-old, who has been a stalwart in every match of this tournament, reflected on the honor of representing his country and community on such a significant stage, saying it’s a dream come true.
4. Historical Matchup
The USMNT and Guatemala have a storied history, having faced each other 27 times since their first meeting in 1977, with the USA holding a 16-5-6 advantage. Their encounters include critical Gold Cup matchups, with the last notable meeting occurring in 1996. The USA won a World Cup Qualifier match in 2016 decisively, 4-0. This historical background adds an extra layer of excitement to their upcoming semifinal showdown.
5. Path to the Semifinals
The USMNT booked their semifinal spot after drawing 2-2 with Costa Rica and triumphing 4-3 in penalties. Goals from Diego Luna and Max Arfsten marked their efforts in regulation. The team topped Group D, securing victories in all their group matches. Meanwhile, Guatemala, the tournament’s underdog as the third-lowest FIFA-ranked squad, achieved an impressive upset over Jamaica, allowing them to progress alongside a tight penalty shootout against Canada.
As excitement builds for the semifinal clash, fans are eager to see if the USMNT can capitalize on their recent growth and synergy, potentially paving their way to a 13th Gold Cup final. With determination and local support behind them, the team aims to solidify their status as a rising powerhouse in the region.