Fansided

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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GENT, BELGIUM – FEBRUARY 16: Kenny Saief of KAA Gent celebrates during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 first leg match between KAA Gent and Tottenham Hotspur at Ghelamco Arena on February 16, 2017 in Gent, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
GENT, BELGIUM – FEBRUARY 16: Kenny Saief of KAA Gent celebrates during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 first leg match between KAA Gent and Tottenham Hotspur at Ghelamco Arena on February 16, 2017 in Gent, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /

3. Which midfield newbie makes the best first impression?

Three midfielders joined Dwyer in receiving their first ever USMNT call-up: Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Kelyn Rowe (New England Revolution) and Kenny Saief (KAA Gent). Unfortunately, Saief was later forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury, so Roldan and Rowe will be the midfield newbies.

Rowe is an all-around player that can play at any spot in the midfield. He has even covered for the Revolution in the back four on occasion. The midfielder is certainly skilled: check out this ridiculous assist against NYCFC from the end of May.

While Rowe’s versatility is the major benefit that caught Arena’s eye, Seattle’s Roldan is an out-and-out defensive mid. With Michael Bradley’s absence in this Gold Cup squad, the 22-year-old California native will fight for playing time with Dax McCarty and Kellyn Acosta.

Acosta has become a major part of Arena’s plans as of late, starting against Mexico at the Azteca in the USMNT’s huge 1-1 draw on June 11. Still, Roldan should get the chance during the tournament to make his case for further inclusions in the U.S. squad going forward.

Besides Dwyer, Saief was the most intriguing selection to this roster. Born in Panama City, Florida, the attacking midfielder has lived most of his life in Israel. He spent his youth playing for the Israel nation team before his one-time switch was granted by FIFA on June 22. Anticipating the move, Arena had already named him to the 40-man preliminary Gold Cup roster.

Saief is an exciting prospect. Usually playing on the left side of midfield, he has excellent close control ball skills and is dangerous in the box. He has become an important part of KAA Gent’s lineup in the Belgium top flight. During his time with Gent, the 23-year-old has played in the Champions League and the Europa League.

A groin injured forced him out of the tournament, however, so U.S. fans will have to wait to get a first look at the midfielder. He may feature in World Cup qualifying at some point over the next year, but there’s no question his chances of appearing at the World Cup have taken a blow. Saief was replaced in the squad by Chris Pontius.

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