The USMNT looked to have turned a corner at the beginning of the calendar year. Three wins by a combined six goals over Panama, Costa Rica and Ecuador looked to give new head coach Gregg Berhalter momentum heading into Gold Cup action this week.
However, consecutive embarrassments to Jamaica and Venezuela, the latter by three goals in Cincinnati, have the young team reeling heading into tonight’s tournament opener versus Guyana (10 p.m. EST, FS1). The U.S. currently ranks No. 30 in the world, while the roster has an average age of 25 and a half years.
Berhalter made a minor change to the roster before heading to Allianz Field in Minneapolis, according to USA Soccer.
Five days after the official submission, defender Tyler Adams was forced to withdraw and was replaced by defender Reggie Cannon. On June 15, midfielder Duane Holmes also withdrew and was replaced by Djordje Mihailovic.
Both are relative newcomers, which is something that Berhalter knows he has to get used to with his team.
“I think this is a great process for this group to go through,” he said to MLS.com Monday. “In training today there was a little bit of nerves, because we have the first game, we’ve been building this up. It’s great that we get to experience this together.”
USA vs. Guyana Chances & Predictions
When we take the field in Tuesday’s #GoldCup2019 opener, first-time tournament participants Guyana 🇬🇾 will become the #USMNT‘s 98th different international opponent.
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Guyana is a small South American country that that ranks well outside the top-100 in the world, according to Stars and Stripes FC.
Guyana is currently tied with Bermuda at 175 in the FIFA World Rankings and is ranked 166 in the ELO ratings. The Golden Jaguars have played three matches in 2019: a 2-1 win against Belize during the CONCACAF Nations League on March 23, a 1-0 friendly loss to Bermuda on June 6, and a 3-1 friendly loss against Haiti on June 1.
The Americans regularly beat teams such as Haiti and Bermuda, so the fact the Guyanans struggled against them bodes well for tonight. In addition, the visitors really only have one attacker to worry about in Emery Welshman. The Cincinnati FC forward has scored seven goals in nine international appearances.
This is the first meeting between the two clubs. The fact that the U.S. attack will feature new star Christian Pulisic and older ones in Jozy Altidore is probably enough for this to be a comfortable win. The pick here is 4-1.
Projected Starting XI for U.S. Men vs. Guyana
Here is your #USMNT starting XI to take on 🇬🇾 in tonight’s #GoldCup2019 opener!
Lineup Notes 📰: t.co/rNbiALvRY1
USMNT Roster for Gold Cup
| NUMBER | PLAYER |
| 1 | GK Zach Steffen |
| 2 | D Nick Lima |
| 3 | D Omar Gonzalez |
| 4 | M Michael Bradley |
| 5 | D Walker Zimmerman |
| 6 | M Wil Trapp |
| 7 | F Paul Arriola |
| 8 | M Weston McKennie |
| 9 | F Gyasi Zardes |
| 10 | M Christian Pulisic |
| 11 | F Jordan Morris |
| 12 | GK Sean Johnson |
| 13 | D Tim Ream |
| 15 | M Cristian Roldan |
| 16 | D Daniel Lovitz |
| 17 | F Jozy Altidore |
| 18 | F Jonathan Lewis |
| 19 | D Matt Miazga |
| 20 | M Duane Holmes |
| 21 | F Tyler Boyd |
| 22 | GK Tyler Miller |
| 23 | D Aaron Long |
| TBD | D Reggie Cannon |
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USA vs. Guyana: Starting Lineup & Roster for Gold Cup Opener