Gold Cup 2017: 5 takeaways for the USMNT

The USMNT defeated Jamaica at Levi’s Stadium on Wednesday to win the 2017 Gold Cup. Here are five takeaways from the tournament.

The U.S. Men’s National Team won their sixth Gold Cup, defeating Jamaica 2-1 in Santa Clara, Ca on Wednesday night. Jozy Altidore and Jordan Morris both scored fantastic goals to lead the U.S. to the trophy.

The Yanks had an up-and-down tournament thanks to inexperienced players and some costly mistakes. But they did what they needed to do. Here are five Gold Cup 2017 takeaways for the USMNT.

1. Bruce Arena continues to get most things right

Bruce Arena’s second stint in charge of the USMNT has been a resounding success up this point, by any measure. He is yet to lose a game since taking over for Jurgen Klinsmann following two terrible World Cup qualifying loses back in November of 2016. The U.S. are now favored to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, sitting comfortably in third place, after it looked, after those two losses, like they may miss out all together.

For the Gold Cup, he initially selected an inexperienced roster with a few veterans sprinkled in. It was the right decision. While the U.S. struggled through the group stage, Arena was able to get a look at a handful of fringe players in a competitive environment. The team did what was needed, winning Group B.

Arena then brought in six replacements for the knockout phase. It was the right decision. In Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Michael Bradley and Darlington Nagbe, he had the necessary leadership and talent to make a push for the trophy.

Overall, he was able to assess the ability of some inexperienced players to help the USMNT as they try to wrap up World Cup qualification while at the same time being competitive in the regional championship. I don’t think many U.S. fans are questioning whether or not Arena was the right choice to replace Klinsmann anymore.

2. Clint Dempsey is as important to the USMNT as he has ever been

While his role with the national team may be changing a bit, Clint Dempsey continues to showcase how important he is to the Yanks during the current World Cup cycle. As Bruce Arena himself famously said, “He tries sh*t.”

Deuce brings a swagger and belief in his own ability that is unparalleled among U.S. players. He consistently backs this up with game-changing plays. However, he is 34 years old. Dempsey isn’t going to play every minute in a three games in a week situation. But, more times than not, he will make an impact when he’s on the field.

I don’t think, at least during this cycle, that Dempsey will be relegated to a super-sub role. But he did show that he is more than able at filling that role when asked to due so: he came on in the second half in the semifinal against Costa Rica and completely changed the whole attitude of the U.S. The team had failed to create chances for most of the game. After his inclusion in the 66th minute, he proceeded to set up Jozy Altidore and then score on a wonderful free kick. Deuce is as indispensable to this team as he’s ever been.

3. Christian Pulisic is vital to the success of the USMNT

Pulisic was not called in for the Gold Cup so he could focus on the preseason with Borussia Dortmund. His absence was starkly apparent in every match. It is amazing how much the U.S. has come to rely on the 18-year-old to generate offense, even with Dempsey on the field.

The Yanks were able to overcome his omission in the Gold Gup due to the level of competition. It’s against the higher caliber teams — you know, like at the World Cup — where Pulisic’s play-making ability will be the difference between competing or getting whipped.

It almost feels like a fever dream to consider his age. He should be a major factor, and most likely the most important attacker on the national team for well over a decade. Should the Hershey, Pa. native continue to develop at his current rate, and he has shown no indication of slowing down, and if the U.S. are able to add a few other high-class players during the next few Wold Cup cycles, well, that’s a lot to be excited for.

4. Eric Lichaj has established himself as a viable option at right-back

Finally! Lichaj was afforded the opportunity to display his talent during the 2017 Gold Cup. Apart from a few mistakes — that back pass will make cringe forever — the Nottingham Forest defender vindicated all those calling for his inclusion to the national team. For whatever reasons, the 28-year-old has been out of the USMNT picture for most of his career. Bruce Arena finally corrected that.

The U.S. fullback situation has been an issue (miss you so much, Dolo) seemingly forever. How a talented and competent right-back such as Lichaj hasn’t been getting called in all these years is beyond comprehension. (Thanks, Jurgen.) Lichaj is calm in possession and adept at joining in on the attack. He also displayed good positional sense and tackling ability during the playing time he received at the Gold Cup.

Now, DeAndre Yedlin is the clear cut first-choice right-back for the USMNT. But having a competent backup is paramount at all positions on the field. For some time now, that backup has been Graham Zusi, a converted midfielder. Arena has still been relying on him due to his experience and ability to provide decent crosses, but I think most will agree the time is right to adjust the depth chart.

I see Arena continuing to bring along Lichaj slowly over the next half a year. But by the time Russia 2018 rolls around, Lichaj should be Yedlin’s understudy.

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5. The USMNT took care of business

Yes, Mexico brought their B team and didn’t bring in replacements for the knockout round. Yes, it was against mostly lesser opponents. And, yes, it wasn’t for a trip to the Confederations Cup. But the USMNT should always expect to win the regional championship. They achieved that goal on Wednesday.

The final ended up being a closer contest than many felt it would be after Altidore’s stunning free-kick. The Yanks showed their mettle by keeping their heads in the game after giving up the equalizer in the second half. Dempsey once again energized his teammates as a super-sub. Some are even claiming he meant to touch the ball to Jordan Morris for the game-winning goal.

It was Morris who got beat on the Jamaica equalizer. He showed that good old fashioned American never-say-die attitude and popped up for the game-winner. It was a great tournament for the U.S. for various reason. Winning the trophy is certainly at the top of the list.