Gold Cup 2015: Pivotal Players in U.S. vs. Jamaica Battle
The United States men’s national team will be looking for a chance to defend its title when it takes on Jamaica Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET in the 2015 Gold Cup semifinals.
Jamaica has only defeated the U.S. once in 22 meetings, but the one win came in a recent match between the sides. The Jamaicans beat the Americans 2-1 in a 2012 World Cup qualifier.
The two squads are also the only teams to win three games outright in this tournament, according to Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl.
Each side has used a successful blend of strong defense with counterattacking midfield play and timely scoring. European football leagues and Major League Soccer are also well represented on both teams, so expect plenty of talent on the pitch at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.
The U.S. is the obvious favorite entering the match, but the game will come down to whether key players in all levels of the pitch from each side step up and perform.
Here is a look at three of the most important players from each side based on their impact on the team’s success and their roles as X-factors in the game.
Timmy Chandler, United States
Timmy Chandler has had an up-and-down Gold Cup thus far.
The 25-year-old did not have a great showing in the team’s opening 2-1 win over Honduras and found himself on the bench for the entirety of the United States' second game against Haiti. However, he has bounced back rather well since, and he has started in the squad’s previous two matches, which included this beautiful cross to Clint Dempsey to open up the scoring in the quarterfinals against Cuba:
Against an organized and fast side like Jamaica, Chandler will need to be responsible and more consistent for the U.S. The Americans will likely dominate in possession, so the full-back will have to be aware to not get caught deep in the attack in case of a quick counter from the Jamaicans.
U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has shown trust in Chandler to this point, so expect him to once again put him in the starting lineup. Chandler will need to respond well to earn himself a spot in a potential Gold Cup final, and he has shown enough responsibility at this point to think he will come through.
Ryan Thompson, Jamaica
Jamaica looked to be in some trouble after starting goalkeeper Dwayne Miller left with an injury against El Salvador. Fortunately, Ryan Thompson has filled in exceptionally well.
In addition to coming on and blanking El Salvador in the final group game, Thompson was instrumental in holding off a furious rally from Haiti in the quarterfinals as Jamaica notched a 1-0 victory.
The Jamaican defense, led by Westley Morgan and Adrian Mariappa, has been stout. The team has not allowed a goal since its opening match. However, the U.S. present a steeper challenge.
The Americans will certainly get at least a few quality chances to score, and it will be up to Thompson to rise to the occasion. He has been great so far, but with offensive weapons like Dempsey, Michael Bradley and Gyasi Zardes, the U.S. will likely score at least once Wednesday.
Michael Bradley, United States
As the quarterback of the U.S. midfield, Bradley is instrumental for everything the team does offensively and defensively.
Bradley has an innate sense of when to join the attack or when to sit back and defend. In addition to locking down the central part of the pitch on defense, Bradley leads the team in assists and scored this pivotal goal against Panama to salvage a draw in the group stage:
Against a Jamaican team that plays a more defensive style, Bradley will carry a large burden as the United States' primary playmaker.
With players like Zardes and Dempsey on the attack, Bradley should be able to find some space to create chances. Look for him to assist on a goal Wednesday.
Je-Vaughn Watson, Jamaica
Although Haiti and Panama boast some nice speed and athleticism, Je-Vaughn Watson will be the toughest matchup the U.S. has faced in the midfield so far.
Watson was sorely missed in the quarterfinal against Haiti, as the team struggled to find much rhythm offensively with the midfielder sidelined due to yellow card accumulation. With Watson all set to return, the U.S. should expect a fresh and hungry force in the center of the field.
Jamaica head coach Winfried Schafer spoke highly of Watson’s relentless style of play, according to the Jamaica Observer.
"Watson is so good... it's like he cannot get tired; he keeps running and running," the German coach said.
The U.S. midfield will certainly be challenged by Watson’s aggressiveness and it may cause some problems. However, the steadying play of Bradley and fellow midfielder Kyle Beckerman should help contain Watson.
Clint Dempsey, United States
You cannot talk about the U.S. in this Gold Cup without mentioning Dempsey.
With a tournament-leading six goals, Dempsey has been the team’s best player by far and will be a handful for Jamaica. Take a look at how impressive his numbers have been, courtesy of ESPN Stats and Info:
Klinsmann has also been complimentary of Dempsey in this tournament, per Wahl.
“What we like and really enjoy the last couple weeks is [Dempsey’s] energy,”Klinsmann said. “His energy also to come back and help out, to constantly stay in the game. He’s not switching off at all. He’s hungry. He’s hungry for goals, and that helps us.”
If the U.S. scores, expect Dempsey to be involved. His leadership and tenacity up front have been pivotal to the team’s success. Without him, the team may not have defeated Honduras or Haiti.
Expect Dempsey to continue his tear and put away a goal against Jamaica off of a pass from Bradley.
Garath McCleary, Jamaica
Jamaica has not been too explosive offensively in this Gold Cup, but that does not necessarily hold true for Garath McCleary.
The veteran leads the team with two goals and has been Jamaica’s best weapon thus far.
McCleary will be a challenge for the U.S. back line and defensive midfield, as he plays an attacking midfield/center forward role for Jamaica. He also has some solid finishing ability, which he displayed against El Salvador:
Any chance Jamaica has to score against the U.S. will have to come from sound combination play from Watson and McCleary. They may create some decent chances, but the Jamaicans will spend too much time defending to put together anything too threatening.
Match Prediction: U.S. Wins 1-0
.jpg?w=600 "Offseason Moves for Every Team 👉")
.png?w=600 "New NBA Mock Draft 📝")
