Gold Cup Day 4: Match thread and discussion

It could be said that the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup saved its best for last, with Group D featuring three countries that regularly feature in the (possibly endangered) Hexagonal round of World Cup qualifying. The quartet of teams play the first of three match days at the recently opened Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota; the venue has a capacity of 19,400 spectators and features a Kentucky bluegrass surface.

Panama opens proceedings against Trinidad and Tobago, in what could be the group’s determining match. Julio Dely Valdés called in an experienced core, featuring 14 players who were in last year’s historic World Cup squad. Los Canaleros have not won a match in over a year (with their last victory coming in April of 2018 against the same opponent they’ll be facing off against tonight), but did manage an impressive 1-1 draw with Brazil in March.

T&T is led by national team hero Dennis Lawrence, who is attempting to use the Gold Cup as a springboard to 2022 World Cup qualification. The Soca Warriors are largely comprised of players from the domestic TT Pro League and the USL Championship (United States). As observed by Donald Wine, Trinidad will have to rely on Kevin Molino (Minnesota United) to generate offense, with the Seattle Sounders’ Joevin Jones providing aid from the wing.

Guyana, located in South America, opens its first ever Gold Cup with what should be its most difficult opponent, the United States. Manager Michael Johnson’s side lost both pre-tournament friendlies (1-0 to Bermuda and 3-1 to Haiti), so expectations might be a bit low for this group reaching the knockout rounds. The Golden Jaguars will be without the services of Philadelphia Union midfielder Warren Creavalle who broke his foot in training. The attacking duo of Sheldon Holder (Morvant Caledonia United) and Emery Welshman (Forge FC) will be relied upon to score goals. Guyana has played goalkeepers Akel Clarke (Walking Boyz Company) and Alex Murray (Santos [Guyana]), but has the option of deploying former Canadian national team player Quillan Roberts.

The USMNT enters the Gold Cup in desperate need of some optimism and good results. Morale is low following the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and two dismal friendly losses against Jamaica and Venezuela did little to inspire confidence in new manager Gregg Berhalter. The U.S. should be able to ease past Guyana, with an intense attacking output setting the tone for the rest of group play.

How to watch

Panama vs. Trinidad and Tobago

Location: Allianz Field - St. Paul, Minnesota

Kick-off time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern, 4:30 p.m. Pacific

Available TV: FS1 (English), UniMás (Spanish), Univision Deportes (Spanish)

Available stream: Fox Sports Go (App/Website), Univision (App/Website), FuboTV (Free trial)

United States vs. Guyana

Location: Allianz Field - St. Paul, Minnesota

Kick-off time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern, 7:00 p.m. Pacific

Available TV: FS1 (English), UniMás (Spanish), Univision Deportes (Spanish)

Available stream: Fox Sports Go (App/Website), Univision (App/Website), FuboTV (Free trial)

Related Reading

Group D preview

Discuss the matches in the comment section. Keep it civil.

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