What's Golden?

So the U.S. steamrolled it's way through the Gold Cup in quite historic fashion. They were never truly tested throughout the tournament, held a dominating goal differential and have waltzed their way to an all-time best 11 game winning streak. Ho hum. While there were two 1-0 wins in the tournament, there was a seemingly inevitable attitude that existed throughout all the games that it was just a matter of time before the U.S. scored and eventually won. Make no mistake, this is a good thing. In order for the U.S. to take the next step in becoming a true world power, CONCACAF must become an afterthought...a trial run through peasants before facing the true powerhouses across the pond. We've seen through a fairly dominant WCQ run so far and a walk through the Gold Cup that this may just be starting to become the case. Thank you JK. Anyway, I was going to do a write-up about the game yesterday with player ratings but for one, I'm feeling lazy and a two, I thought it would be more important to just talk about the players who have forced themselves into the conversation for when WCQ starts back up in 2 months (took me less than 2 seconds to convince myself of that).


LD - This is so much of a no-brainer that even JK said in the post-game press conference yesterday that it was the case. 5 goals and 8 assists in 6 games. You name it, he did it. Captain America. He should be an absolute lock to not only make the team but most likely will start. Who he will kick out of the starting XI is Jurgen's decision, but I'd like to see Zusi stay and E.Johnson/Fab to be bumped out assuming he puts him on the wing.

Wondobitch - Jozy is our #1. Or should I say our #9. But behind him, there's been a long inconsistent line. Names like Gomez and Buddle come to mind. I think Wondo is our second best striker. He might not have the overall ability of a top striker but he has the Chicharito-esque quality of always being in the right place at the right time and I think that's very important for a potential supersub. He deserves a shot.

Kyle Beckerman - Between rolling j's and growing hemp, Beckerman found enough time to put in a couple decent shifts over the past 3 weeks. He never over-extended himself and did what he was asked to do well. Things such as his distribution have often been criticized but he provided a couple nice assists and seemed sharp on the ball. I think he can push for a spot in midfield if he pushes his potential.

Brek Shea- Jon's favorite player. In truth, the kid had a little too much hype when he came up 2 years ago and deservedly so with the way he played off the bat. Inconsistency has showed at times probably because of a combination of youth and lack of club playing time (he has only made 2 appearances for Stoke City since moving in the January window). But he grew into himself throughout the Gold Cup. He made the difference in the title game and scored 2 decisive goals in the tournament including the one to win it all. Definitely has a place in the team going forward.

Special shoutout to Stu Holden who would have made the list but for his injury yesterday which JK noted looked "very serious." I really hope not. Guy can't catch a fucking break.