A pair of MLS stars headline the list of initial changes ahead of the Gold Cup’s knockout round.
Cyle Larin is set to join up with Canada ahead of the quarterfinals as the Orlando City striker returns to the fold after being excluded from the group stage. His absence was caused by his recent DUI arrest, one which saw him serve a suspension in MLS before being omitted from Canada’s initial Gold Cup squad.
Costa Rican veteran Kendall Waston also joins the fray in the knockout stage as he joins a Ticos team that sees veterans Joel Campbell, Christian Gamboa, Bryan Oviedo and Johan Venegas return to their clubs.
El Salvador, Jamaica and Mexico, who wrapped up play on Sunday, are able to make changes up to 24 hours after the conclusion of their final group stage match.
On Sunday, U.S. Soccer announced a series of six changes as the U.S. Men’s National Team is the only team to utilize the maximum amount of swaps to date.
Here’s a closer look at the changes made so far:
CANADA
OUT: Raheem Edwards (Toronto FC, CAN)
IN: Cyle Larin (Orlando City SC, USA)
COSTA RICA
OUT: Joel Campbell (Arsenal FC, ENG); Christian Gamboa (Celtic FC, SCO); Bryan Oviedo (Sunderland AFC, ENG); Johan Venegas (Minnesota United FC, USA)
IN: Jose Leiton (CS Herediano, CRC); Jhamir Ordain (CS Herediano, CRC); Jimmy Marín (CS Herediano, CRC); Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps FC, CAN)
HONDURAS
OUT: Antony Lozano (FC Barcelona B, ESP); Rony Martinez (Baoding Yingli Yitong FC HON)
IN: Michaell Chirinos (CD Olimpia, HON); Angel Tejeda (Real CD España, HON)
UNITED STATES
OUT: Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia Union, USA); Dom Dwyer (Sporting Kansas City, USA); Brad Guzan (Atlanta United FC, USA); Sean Johnson (New York City FC, USA); Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC, USA); Kelyn Rowe (New England Revolution, USA)
IN: Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC, CAN); Michael Bradley (Toronto FC, CAN); Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC, USA); Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas, USA); Tim Howard (Colorado Rapids, USA); Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers, USA)
Looks like Costa Rica, our potential semi-final opponent, has lost more than it gained with its roster moves.
Those all look prearranged to me, seems Campbell was headed out even before the injury. Neither Gamboa or Oveido are regulars enough to skip so much preseason with their clubs. Feel bad for Campbell since he is a likely loan prospect, but will not be recovered in time for this window and maybe even January. I think Panama will beat them but, Costa Rica has only made it to the Semis once since 2003 so maybe they are due.
USA Vs Costa Rica would be a sweet semifinal match
Both Canada and Jamaica think their quarterfinal is a winnable game. Canada isn’t as bad as in the past. It would be a big accomplishment for Canada to reach the semis under a new coach. Already eliminated from Russia, they’re looking at 2022 and beyond.
I don’t think they beat Jamaica, but Canada could actually have a future,,,,has that ever been said before, not by anyone with a clue ( this in no way says I have a clue )
Larin and Davies are certainly promising and having access to MLS certainly is helping their pool. However, Bernier, DeJong, and Arfield are all unlikely to make it to Qatar based on age and Hoilett would be in his 30s as well and who knew Tosaint Rickets was already 29. They have a number of 22-26 year olds on their GC roster, but most are not seeing much playing time with their clubs with the exception of Jonathan Osorio and he is a role player for TFC.