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Gold Cup 2017: 5 questions facing the USMNT

By Michael Harshbarger

SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 29: Head coach Bruce Arena of the United States looks on during pregame warm-ups prior to their match against Serbia at Qualcomm Stadium on January 29, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JANUARY 29: Head coach Bruce Arena of the United States looks on during pregame warm-ups prior to their match against Serbia at Qualcomm Stadium on January 29, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, KS – APRIL 29: Dom Dwyer
KANSAS CITY, KS – APRIL 29: Dom Dwyer /

1. Who steps up at Forward?

The fact Jordan Morris is considered the veteran among the the three strikers selected by Arena should tell you all you need to know about the experience level of this roster. Most know what to expect out of the Seattle Sounders man: pace, power and an inexhaustible motor. Morris figures to lead the charge against Panama.

Juan Agudelo of the New England Revolution actually has more national team caps than Morris but hasn’t been in the USMNT picture for the last five years. The 24-year-old has steadily increased his stock since returning to MLS in 2015. He already has seven league goals this season and will hope to make an impact during his time on the field in the Gold Cup.

That brings us to one of the most interesting selections in the entire roster: Sporting KC forward Dom Dwyer. Born in England, the prolific goalscorer secured his U.S. citizenship back in March, leaving many USMNT fans anxious to see him in action for the Yanks. They didn’t have to wait long as Arena gave the 26-year-old his first call-up for the Gold Cup.

Dwyer has notched double digits in goals scored in each of the last three MLS seasons, netting a career-high 23 back in 2014. He’s speedy and compact and efficient in front of goal. For those reasons, Dwyer is a welcome addition to the USMNT striker pool. He’s also married to Sydney Leroux, forming the first U.S. Soccer power couple.

Of the three, Dwyer seems to have the most to gain with a strong performance at the Gold Cup. USMNT fans will be hoping he can transfer his club goalscoring prowess to the international stage.

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