Five US Players I'm Excited to see in the Upcoming Gold Cup

The United States Men's National Team kicks off their 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign tomorrow night against Guyana. Although the US won the tournament in 2017, the squad will have much more to prove than you would think.

After missing out on the 2018 World Cup in dramatic fashion, the USMNT needs to make a statement. Last year the USMNT had to watch the 2018 World Cup from their homes as they failed to qualify for the tournament. All they needed to do was win against the last-placed team in their group, Trinidad and Tobago. They lost 2-1 and saw their World Cup dreams slip through their fingers. In 2014, the US mounted an outstanding run in which they advanced out of a group with the likes of Ghana, Portugal, and eventual champions Germany. The US then went on to lose 2-1 in extra-time to Belgium. Although the US bowed out in the quarterfinals, their performance was both inspiring and impressive. Now, with the next world cup three years away, the US has plenty of time to prepare.

What better way to prepare for the 2022 World Cup than by playing against a handful of countries that have no chance of qualifying? That's right the Gold Cup is here and outside of Mexico, there really isn't a squad that mirrors that of world cup competition. Regardless, this is the perfect opportunity for the USMNT. A deep Gold Cup run would help reignite the country's faith in the squad and it could put the USMNT on the right track for 2022.

Christian Pulisic

I'm not going to lie. There's a number of guys in the squad that I've never heard of before. I never watch MLS games so that's probably why but there's one name that I was drawn to right away and that was Christian Pulisic. After a devastating 2017 qualifying campaign, Pulisic has to be itching to get going. The young forward has emerged as the future of US soccer and he'll look to kick off his summer with a bang. Pulisic has to have his sights set on being the tournaments top goal-scorer. A feat I think he can definitely accomplish.

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Weston McKennie

Although Pulisic will steal most of the headlines, Schalke's young star, Weston McKennie, has to the chance to showcase his skills as a member of the USMNT. The 19-year-old holding midfielder seems to be coming about at the perfect time. Michael Bradley is 31-years-old and he most likely won't be around once the 2022 World Cup rolls around. By then, McKennie will be 22 and with three more years of experience, he could be a vital part of the USMNT. A solid Gold Cup performance from McKennie would be huge for both his international career and the USMNT as a whole.

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Jozy Altidore

I had no idea that Altidore was only 29-years-old. With his recent performances, I thought he was at least 36. Nonetheless, he was selected for the Gold Cup and it will be interesting to see how he does. Will it be another tournament defined by a goal drought? Or will it be one in which he shines as a dominant striker? I honestly have no idea but I sure as hell am interested in watching him play.

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Matt Miazga

I'm a huge Chelsea fan but I've never seen this guy play a single game in a Chelsea shirt let alone get picked in a squad. There are rumors that he'll start for the Gold Cup and I'm excited to see how he plays. Perhaps a dazzling performance could earn him some minutes in a Chelsea shirt? For their pre-season tour that is.

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Tyler Boyd

I think it's safe to say that if any player on the team plays in the MLS, I doubt them. I have nothing against the MLS but to compare it with the major European leagues would be stupid. To be successful, the US needs to have as many players playing in Europe as possible and that's why I think I've seen enough of Jozy Altidore and Gyasi Zardes. Give Tyler Boyd a chance. The 24-year-old plays for Ankargucu of the Turkish Super Lig. Boyd, on loan from Portuguese Club, Vitoria de Guimaraes, doesn't play in the Premier League or La Liga, but the sheer fact that he's playing abroad is important. Boyd will have a chance to shine for The USMNT after switching from the New Zealand national team in which he began in career for both club and country (SB Nation: Stars and Stripes, D Winnie II). Boyd is no Pulisic, but he could have a positive impact on the team and his experience abroad should not be overlooked.

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It feels so weird writing this piece. The USWNT set a record for most goals scored in a single world cup match with 13 goals against Thailand meanwhile I'm just praying the US can beat small countries like Trinidad and Tobago and advance deep into a regional tournament. The USWNT is the worlds best, it's time for the men to step up and show that they too can compete.