What to Watch This Weekend: The Gold Cup Edition

I love me some Gold Cup. Not because it is excellent soccer (Canada is involved after all)...

But because it is Cup football and in Cup football, anything can happen.

And for fans of the United States, this is a big tournament for our “B” team to show what they have and also to continue with momentum towards the 2018 World Cup.

In case you have forgotten, here is the roster for the Red, White and Blue:

GOALKEEPERS

Brad Guzan (Atlanta United FC), Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (New York City FC)

DEFENDERS

Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca), Matt Hedges (FC Dallas), Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest), Matt Miazga (Chelsea FC), Justin Morrow (Toronto FC), Jorge Villafana (Santos Laguna), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

MIDFIELDERS

Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Paul Arriola (Club Tijuana), Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia Union), Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Dax McCarty (Chicago Fire), Chris Pontius (Philadelphia Union), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Kelyn Rowe (New England Revolution), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)

FORWARDS

Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution), Dom Dwyer (Sporting Kansas City), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders)

Overall, a solid roster, but not without some questions marks (as with all USMNT rosters, if we are being honest)

Some things I am excited for:

Dax: I want him to solidify his spot in the Starting XI.

Lichaj: Dude was ignored under the previous leadership structure, and I want to see him get a proper run out.

Dom and Juan: Boys, time to shine. Grab this and run with it.

Here are the games I am stoked for this weekend:

French Guiana vs Canada—Friday, 5:00 PM MDT (Fox Sports 2, Univision Deportes)

This is purely an emotional game for me. I am part Canadian (eh) and Scott Arfield is on the Canadian squad. And anytime a Burnley player gets called up for International football, I am happy.

But honestly, if you are Canada, this is a must win and it is a match you should win. Losing this one would be bad, but oh so Canadian.

United States of America vs Panama—Saturday, 2:30 PM MDT (FOX, Univision)

The USMNT is not in a strong group, but the Panamanians will pose the strongest threat to the red, white, and blue as they look to get out of the group stage. One thing I am looking for will be what lineup and formation Bruce Arena trots out in Nashville. An interesting note: former Colorado Rapids forward Gabriel Torres is on the Panamanian roster.

Mexico vs El Salvador—Sunday, 7:30 PM MDT (Fox Sports 1, Univision)

I imagine that most Gold Cup fans are looking forward to seeing Mexico and the USA meet for the final in a few weeks, but before that can happen, Mexico has to start playing well. There are some concerns with El Tri after their less-than-impressive Confederations Cup and the tie at home in June to the USMNT in World Cup Qualifying.

Mexico is rarely boring and this tournament should not disappoint in that regard.

Aside from the Gold Cup, is there anything that you are watching? Maybe a little USL? Hit us up in the comment sections and let us know!