Klinsmann turns to experienced USA squad in CONCACAF Gold Cup quest

Jurgen Klinsmann made some interesting cuts but goes with his core, experienced stars for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Brian Straus breaks down of Klinsmann's latest roster.

U.S. national team veterans Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, who haven’t taken the field together in nearly five months, will anchor a CONCACAF Gold Cup roster stocked with experience and designed to win a sixth continental title.

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been saying for months that his post-World Cup year of evolution and experimentation will end with next month’s continental championship tournament. It’s time to win a trophy. A second successive title would cement the Americans’ regional dominance and a place in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. If the U.S. fails to defend its crown, it will face a playoff against the new Gold Cup champion for a trip to Russia.

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“Our approach for putting together the roster for this summer’s Gold Cup, which is very, very important to us, is obviously to do everything possible to win this competition,” Klinsmann said. “Going into a Gold Cup, especially in our region here, experience means a lot. You need players that stay calm in very emotional and very difficult and very tough battles. It can get nasty. Things might not go your way in some moments. So you have to stay cool and you have to always be on top of things.”

Klinsmann selected his team from a 35-man preliminary roster submitted to CONCACAF at the beginning of this month. At the conclusion of the Gold Cup’s group stage (July 7 vs. Honduras, July 10 vs. Haiti and July 13 vs. Panama) he’ll have the option of making six changes, swapping out players on the current squad for one of the 12 left on the provisional. Four moves were permitted in 2013 and Klinsmann used those to considerable effect: Eddie Johnson arrived after the group stage and scored goals in the quarterfinal and semifinal, and Matt Besler started in central defense in all three knockout matches.

Besler, a World Cup starter, was among the dozen left off Tuesday’s group-stage roster, along with Brek Shea, who’s played in six of the national team’s seven games this year, and DaMarcus Beasley, who “unretired” from international play following a recent conversation with Klinsmann. None of the other cuts are particularly surprising.

The U.S. squad features 17 men from the 2014 World Cup team—the most in any of the five Gold Cup tournaments that took place a year after the World Cup. Six remain from the team that tore through the 2013 Gold Cup (Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Mix Diskerud, Omar Gonzalez, Nick Rimando and Chris Wondolowski) while Dempsey (2005 and 2007), Bradley (2007), Brad Davis (2005) and Brad Guzan (2007) also are former champions.

“I think the experience that players like Brad Guzan, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Chris Wondolowski, Nick Rimando have, just to name a few of them, those guys bring the experience with them to stay calm and get the job done. The Gold Cup really is about getting the job done,” Klinsmann said.

The Americans are coming off sensational exhibition wins over the Netherlands and Germany and will prepare for the Gold Cup with a July 3 friendly against Guatemala in Nashville. The U.S. then will expect to hit the ground running. The national team has advanced to five consecutive Gold Cup finals–winning three–has lost only once in the tournament’s group stage and is 22-3-6 against CONCACAF opposition since the start of 2012.

Here’s a closer look at Klinsmann’s team:

GOALKEEPERS: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), William Yarbrough (Club León)

Cut: Bill Hamid (D.C. United)

Klinsmann announced prior to the recent friendlies against the Dutch and Germans that Guzan, 30, would be the Gold Cup starter despite his benching at Aston Villa. Rimando had been the workhorse. The RSL veteran started the first five U.S. matches this year and five of the six games at the ’13 Gold Cup.

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But Guzan stepped in and played well, making several nice saves in each game (11 overall) and maintaining his cool despite several breakdowns in front of him. He might have done better with Klaas Jan Huntelaar’s second goal in Amsterdam, but overall, Guzan looked more than capable of handling Gold Cup opposition. Rimando’s dedication to the cause remains worthy of respect, and if given the opportunity to step in the U.S. won’t skip a beat.

Yarbrough, who made his debut this year, appears to have sealed his place as Klinsmann’s No. 3.

DEFENDERS: Ventura Alvarado (Club América), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Tim Ream (Bolton Wanderers)

Cut: DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Greg Garza (Atlas), Michael Orozco (Club Tijuana), Brek Shea (Orlando City)

Besler’s omission is a surprise, but Klinsmann clearly sees enough potential in Brooks and Alvarado that he’s willing to leave the accomplished veteran behind. Both had their share of struggles against the Dutch, but they settled in a bit better as the game wore on against Germany—Brooks especially. They’re young and will make mistakes at the highest level. But the Gold Cup isn’t necessarily the highest level. The experience and chemistry they’ll get in July could mean plenty down the road.

Gonzalez arguably remains the national team’s most complete center back, and Ream, who’s played all of one minute for the U.S. this year but is coming off a second straight “player of the season” performance at Bolton, finally is getting another look. The U.S. is in decent shape at the center of the back four, even with Geoff Cameron’s absence. The defender told ESPN radio recently that his club, Stoke City, asked him to forego the Gold Cup so he could rest and rehab ahead of the 2015-16 Premier League season.

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Shea’s absence also comes as a slight surprise. The fact that Johnson is listed as a defender could be an explanation. Shea’s transition from midfield to fullback has been slowed by the needs of his club, Orlando City, and his one-on-one defending still needs work. Johnson is the best outside back at Klinsmann’s disposal and, as much as the manager likes pushing Johnson forward, the U.S. may be best served this summer with the ‘Gladbach man locking down the left flank.

Chandler and Evans can play on the right, as can DeAndre Yedlin, who’s listed as a midfielder on the roster.

If options on the outside dwindle, Beasley—the 2013 Gold Cup captain—is waiting in the wings. He wouldn’t have been on the provisional roster unless he was willing to play and Klinsmann was willing to call him in.

MIDFIELDERS: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (FC Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (New York City FC), Alfredo Morales (FC Ingolstadt), DeAndre Yedlin (Tottenham Hotspur), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

Cut: Joe Corona (Veracruz), Perry Kitchen (D.C. United), Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution)

The U.S. midfield is loaded with talent and experience, and Klinsmann will have an almost paralyzing number of permutations to sort through. Bradley, who was outstanding in the victories over Holland and Germany, is the only given. He’s at his best in a box-to-box role, and has fared even better with a defensive anchor behind him. Absent Danny Williams, Beckerman is the obvious choice here, although against CONCACAF opponents that are a bit slower in the build-up, Bradley likely will be comfortable alongside several other players.

His second appearance of the tournament will represent his 100th international cap. Bradley will be the 16th U.S. player to reach the milestone.

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In Zusi, Diskerud, Bedoya and Morales, the U.S. has players comfortable closer to the wing or in the channels. Bedoya missed out on the games in Amsterdam and Cologne and will be looking to re-establish what appeared to be a regular starting role, while Zardes will be expecting minutes as well after his vastly-improved showings this month. Davis, along with Zusi, will offer a threat from set pieces that the U.S. has been unable to muster on a consistent basis.

Among those missing out on the 35-man preliminary roster are Jermaine Jones, who’s out after hernia surgery, and Gedion Zelalem, the 18-year-old Arsenal prospect who would have been tied permanently to the U.S. with a Gold Cup appearance.

FORWARDS: Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders), Aron Jóhannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

Cut: Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution), Alan Gordon (LA Galaxy), Jordan Morris (Stanford University)

Clint Dempsey banned three MLS games, can still play in Gold Cup

​Klinsmann finally has his first-choice forwards available, thanks in part to MLS and commissioner Don Garber, who suspended Dempsey for only three games for his notebook-tearing meltdown in last week’s U.S. Open Cup loss to the Portland Timbers. Dempsey’s MLS ban will expire June 28, leaving the U.S. captain with plenty of time before the July 3 game in Nashville (he would have been ineligible to play any competitive soccer while under suspension). 

Dempsey hasn’t played for the U.S. since February and missed this month’s friendlies to be with his wife for the birth of their child. Altidore was absent with a hamstring injury.

“It’s something that nobody wants to see. It’s a mistake, and mistakes happen,” Klinsmann said of Dempsey’s suspension. “So, obviously when he comes in next week to Nashville in preparation for our friendly game with Guatemala, we’ll sit down and talk through that and we’ll go from there. It’s something that nobody wants to go through. Nobody wants to get red carded. Nobody wants to get suspended and be in discussion by the fans and the media for a mistake you make. But it’s on the other hand, it’s part of the game too. So we’ll take a little bit of a step back and we’ll discuss it in person in a relaxed way and go from there."

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Whether Klinsmann pairs them together or starts Altidore alone up top with Dempsey behind him in a withdrawn, playmaking role will be a tactical storyline to watch—assuming they start. The domino effect on the midfield will be significant in either case.

Jóhannsson continues to show the sort of creative flashes that leave many wondering if he’s the go-to striker of the future, while Wondolowski adds the sort of work rate and knack for finding space in the penalty area that continues to result in goals. He currently ranks second in MLS scoring with eight.

Morris is an interesting omission, if only because the rising Stanford junior has looked so comfortable and confident in his past three appearances. But it’s no surprise he was unable to unseat one of the aforementioned four. There will be plenty of time for Morris, 20, following a crucial Gold Cup.

GALLERY: U.S. Soccer in 2015

The Year in Photos: U.S. Soccer in 2015

U.S. U-20 vs. El Salvador, January 24

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Paul Arriola (7) celebrates his goal in a World Cup qualifying playoff match vs. El Salvador. The U.S. U-20s cemented their place in the World Cup with a 2-0 win. They drew host New Zealand, Ukraine and Myanmar in their summer group.

USMNT vs. Chile, January 28

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Bobby Wood flies high in the USA's 3-2 loss to Chile, which opened the calendar year for the national team. Brek Shea and Jozy Altidore scored in the loss.

USMNT vs. Panama, February 8

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Gyasi Zardes and Clint Dempsey celebrate after combining for a goal against Panama at StubHub Center to cap off winter training camp with a 2-0 victory.

USWNT vs. France, February 8

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Lori Chalupny (left) and the USWNT had a tough time keeping pace with Jessica Houara (center) and France in a 2-0 loss in a friendly in Lorient. The match was the first of two played without suspended goalkeeper Hope Solo.

USWNT vs. England, February 13

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Alex Morgan celebrates scoring the lone goal in the USWNT's 1-0 win over England in a friendly at Stadium mk in Milton Keynes.

USWNT vs. Norway, March 4

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The USWNT opens the Algarve Cup with a 2-1 win over Norway, marking Hope Solo's return from a 30-day suspension with a come-from-behind victory. Carli Lloyd scored both goals for the Americans.

USWNT vs. Switzerland, March 6

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Alex Morgan celebrates her goal in the USWNT's 3-0 win over Switzerland in the Algarve Cup group stage.

USWNT vs. Iceland, March 9

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Alex Morgan and the USWNT were frustrated by Iceland, held to a 0-0 draw to wrap up group play at the Algarve Cup. The result was still enough to put the Americans in the final against France.

USWNT vs. France, March 11

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The U.S. women's national team celebrates winning the Algarve Cup after a 2-0 triumph over France. Julie Johnston and Christen Press scored, and Hope Solo saved a penalty kick.

U.S. U-17 vs. Jamaica, March 15

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The U.S. U-17 national team celebrates qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after defeating Jamaica on penalty kicks following a 0-0 draw in a playoff match.

USMNT vs. Denmark, March 25

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U.S. goalkeeper Nick Rimando expresses his frustration after one of Nicklas Bendtner's three goals in Denmark's 3-2 win over the Americans. Jozy Altidore and Aron Johannsson scored for the USA.

USMNT vs. Switzerland, March 31

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Jozy Altidore watches as Brek Shea hits a perfect free kick to put the USA on the board against Switzerland. The Americans settled for a 1-1 draw.

USWNT vs. New Zealand, April 4

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Lori Chalupny (16) celebrates her goal vs. New Zealand with Lauren Holiday at St. Louis's Busch Stadium. The goal opened the floodgates for a late outburst en route to a 4-0 U.S. victory in front of more than 35,000 fans.

USMNT vs. Mexico, April 15

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Jordan Morris etched his name in U.S.-Mexico lore, as the Stanford University forward scored in his first senior national team start to break a scoreless draw against El Tri at the Alamodome.

USMNT vs. Mexico, April 15

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Juan Agudelo collapses to the ground in celebration after his goal at the Alamodome gave the USA a familiar lead over Mexico: Dos-a-Cero.

U.S. U-23 vs. Mexico, April 22

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Real Salt Lake's Luis Gil captains the USA to a 3-0 win over Mexico at StubHub Center in Olympic qualifying preparation for both CONCACAF favorites.

USWNT vs. Ireland, May 10

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Abby Wambach celebrates one of her two goals vs. Ireland as the USWNT took a 3-0 win on Mother's Day at Avaya Stadium.

USWNT vs. Mexico, May 17

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Sydney Leroux is congratulated by her teammates after one of her two goals in a 5-1 pre-World Cup rout of Mexico at StubHub Center.

U.S. U-20 vs. Myanmar, May 30

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Maki Tall celebrates his equalizer for the USA as part of a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Myanmar to open the U-20 World Cup group stage in New Zealand.

USWNT vs. South Korea, May 30

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Carli Lloyd gets off a shot through traffic in the USA's final World Cup send-off friendly, a 0-0 draw against South Korea at Red Bull Arena.

U.S. U-23 in Toulon Tournament, May-June

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Alonso Hernandez, left, takes on Qatar, while Julian Green, right, vies for the ball against France in the Toulon Tournament as part of Olympic qualifying preparations.

U.S. U-20 vs. New Zealand, June 2

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Gedion Zelalem controls the ball against New Zealand in the USA's 4-0 win that cemented a place in the U-20 World Cup knockout stage.

U.S. U-20 vs. Ukraine, June 5

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From left, Joel Soñora, Gedion Zelalem and Rubio Rubin show frustration during a 3-0 loss to Ukraine that wrapped up group play in the U-20 World Cup.

USMNT vs. Netherlands, June 5

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DeAndre Yedlin and Danny Williams salute each other after the latter's goal–his first international strike–brought the U.S. level with the Netherlands at 3-3 in the 89th minute.

USMNT vs. Netherlands, June 5

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Bobby Wood puts the finishing touch on an epic comeback, with his 90th-minute strike capping a wild 4-3 win for the USA over the Netherlands. The USA trailed 3-1 in the 71st minute.

U.S. U-23 vs. England, June 7

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USA defender Boyd Okwuonu makes a tackle on England's Duncan Watmore in the Toulon Tournament third-place game. The U.S. U-23s won 2-1, sealing their best finish in the tournament.

USWNT vs. Australia, June 8, WWC

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Megan Rapinoe lets out a yell after her second goal, which sealed the USA's 3-1 win over Australia to open Group D play in the Women's World Cup.

U.S. U-20 vs. Colombia, June 10

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Rubio Rubin celebrates the goal that gives the USA a 1-0 win over Colombia in the FIFA U-20 World Cup round of 16. Zack Steffen's late penalty save preserved the win, as the Americans reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 2007.

USMNT vs. Germany, June 10

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Michael Bradley was everywhere against World Cup champion Germany, assisting on Mix Diskerud's equalizer and commanding the midfield in a 2-1 win in Cologne.

USMNT vs. Germany, June 10

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For the second straight game, Bobby Wood came off the bench and scored a stunning winner. He watches his long-range blast beat Ron-Robert Zieler in a 2-1 win over world No. 1 Germany.

USWNT vs. Sweden, June 12

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Julie Johnston wins the header in a dominant showing on the U.S. back line, helping the Americans preserve a 0-0 draw against Sweden in the second game of the Women's World Cup group stage.

U.S. U-20 vs. Serbia, June 13

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U.S. players' emotions say it all after a gut-wrenching loss to Serbia in penalty kicks at the U-20 World Cup. After a 0-0 draw, the Americans fell 6-5 in PKs, despite Zack Steffen's two saves in sudden death.

USWNT vs. Nigeria, June 16

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Abby Wambach leaps for joy after scoring in the 45th minute off Megan Rapinoe's corner kick, which delivered a 1-0 win to the USA and first place in Group D of the Women's World Cup.

USWNT vs. Colombia, June 22

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Alex Morgan's goal broke a 0-0 draw, provided relief after Abby Wambach's PK miss and helped the U.S. women to the World Cup quarterfinals after a 2-0 win over Colombia in the round of 16.

USWNT vs. China, June 26

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While Carli Lloyd (10) celebrates her goal in the distance, stalwart center backs Julie Johnston and Becky Sauerbrunn rejoice in the goal that put the USA into the semifinals of the Women's World Cup.

USWNT vs. Germany, June 30

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Carli Lloyd yells in celebration after scoring the penalty that put the USA up over Germany en route to a 2-0 victory in the Women's World Cup semifinals.

USMNT vs. Guatemala, July 3

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DeAndre Yedlin and Jozy Altidore, wearing special jerseys with stars-and-stripes numbers for July 4, celebrate after a Guatemala own goal gifts the USA a 1-0 lead during a 4-0 win in Nashville, Tennessee, prior to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

USWNT vs. Japan, July 5

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Carli Lloyd sets the tone with a third-minute goal in the Women's World Cup final against Japan, the first of her three strikes within 16 minutes that lifted the USA to a 5-2 win and its first title in 16 years.

USWNT vs. Japan, July 5

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U.S. players rush the field after the final whistle, which sealed their 5-2 triumph over Japan and a record third World Cup title.

USWNT vs. Japan, July 5

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USWNT vs. Japan, July 5

Simon Bruty for Sports Illustrated

Victorious, the U.S. women's national team raises the World Cup trophy for the third time, but the first in 16 years, after completing a 5-2 win over Japan in the final at Vancouver's BC Place.

USMNT vs. Honduras, July 7

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Clint Dempsey leaps in celebration of his second goal in the USA's Gold Cup opener against Honduras. The Americans won 2-1, fending off a late Honduras surge to collect all three points in the start of their title defense.

USA vs. Haiti, July 10

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Clint Dempsey (8) is congratulated by his teammates after a 47th-minute goal gave the USA a 1-0 win over Haiti in the Gold Cup. Gyasi Zardes, second from left, came on at halftime and assisted, and the win clinched first place in Group A.

USMNT vs Panama, July 13

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Clint Dempsey, left, and Michael Bradley, right, celebrate after the latter's goal in the USA's 1-1 draw vs. Panama, which wrapped up group play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

USMNT vs. Cuba, July 18

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The U.S. men put on a clinic against an overmatched Cuba in the Gold Cup quarterfinals, with Clint Dempsey's hat trick leading the way in a 6-0 rout. Gyasi Zardes, Aron Johannsson and Omar Gonzalez also scored.

USMNT vs. Jamaica, July 22

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A downtrodden Clint Dempsey and Jurgen Klinsmann walk off the field as Jamaica celebrates a stunning 2-1 win over the USA in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals.

USMNT vs. Panama, July 25

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Michael Bradley walks away in dismay after having a penalty saved in a PK shootout in the USA's loss to Panama in the Gold Cup third-place game. After a 1-1 draw, Panama prevailed 3-2 in PKs, the USA's first shootout in 10 years.

USWNT vs. Costa Rica, August 16

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Meghan Klingenberg waves a Terrible Towel in her hometown of Pittsburgh after scoring one of the USA's many goals in an 8-0 rout of Costa Rica in its first game since winning the 2015 Women's World Cup.

USWNT vs. Costa Rica, August 19

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Alex Morgan and Kelley O'Hara celebrate during a second rout of Costa Rica in three days, this one a 7-2 win in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

USA U-23 vs. England U-21, Sept. 3

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U.S. U-23 goalkeeper Zack Steffen looks on in disappointment as England U-21 forward James Wilson celebrates with Duncan Watmore after scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 friendly win in England.

USMNT vs. Peru, Sept. 4

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Jozy Altidore, right, is congratulated after one of his two goals that sparked the USA's come-from-behind win over Peru at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

USA U-23 vs. Qatar, Sept. 8

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Gedion Zelalem made his U-23 debut off the bench in the USA's 2-0 win over Qatar in England in the final tune-up before Olympic qualifying

USMNT vs. Brazil, Sept. 8

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Neymar and Marcelo celebrate while DeAndre Yedlin and Ventura Alvarado look away in disgust during Brazil's 4-1 rout of the USA at Gillette Stadium.

USWNT vs. Haiti, Sept. 17, 20

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Carli Lloyd scored hat tricks in both games and NWSL Golden Boot winner Crystal Dunn scored her first international goals as the USWNT beat Haiti 5-0 and 8-0 in a pair of friendlies in Detroit and Birmingham, Alabama. Haiti replaced on-strike Australia as a last-minute opponent.

USA U-23 vs. Canada, October 1

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Jerome Kiesewetter, left, and Emerson Hyndman, right, sandwich Jordan Morris after his first-minute goal in the USA's 3-1 win over Canada in their Olympic qualifying opener.

USA U-23 vs. Cuba, October 3

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Cameron Carter-Vickers gets congratulated by Jerome Kiesewetter and Emerson Hyndman after opening the scoring in a 6-1 rout of Cuba in their Olympic qualifying match. The USA cemented its place in the semifinal round with the win.

USA U-23 vs. Panama, October 6

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There was plenty of credit to go around, as the Americans finished off a perfect group run in Olympic qualifying with a 4-0 win over Panama. Jordan Morris and Jerome Kiesewetter came on at halftime and provided the spark needed to seize the three points.

USA U-23 vs. Honduras, October 10

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Wil Trapp's reaction says it all, as the USA failed to secure an automatic berth to the 2016 Olympics after falling to Honduras 2-0 in the semifinals of CONCACAF's Olympic qualifying tournament at Real Salt Lake's Rio Tinto Stadium.

USMNT vs. Mexico, October 10

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Captain Michael Bradley leads the USA out onto the field ahead of the Americans' CONCACAF Cup playoff vs. Mexico at the Rose Bowl.

USMNT vs. Mexico, October 10

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Geoff Cameron beats Rafa Marquez to the spot and heads home a 15th-minute equalizer off a free kick from Michael Bradley, negating a Chicharito goal five minutes earlier in the CONCACAF Cup playoff between USA and Mexico.

USMNT vs. Mexico, October 10

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U.S. forward Bobby Wood celebrates his 108th-minute goal vs. Mexico that brought the Americans level at 2-2 after Oribe Peralta had given El Tri the lead in extra time. That reprieve would only last for 10 minutes, though.

USMNT vs. Mexico, October 10

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Jermaine Jones falls to his knees in disappointment as Mexico celebrates after Paul Aguilar's sensational volley in extra time captured the CONCACAF Cup for El Tri and sends the U.S. rival to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

USA U-23 vs. Canada, October 13

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Marc Pelosi (15) celebrates after his goal breaks the deadlock and sends the U.S. U-23s on their way to a 2-0 win over Canada in CONCACAF's Olympic qualifying third-place game. The U.S. still has a chance to reach Rio, but it'll have to go through Colombia in a playoff.

USMNT vs. Costa Rica, October 13

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Tim Howard can't watch as Costa Rica players celebrate Joel Campbell's goal in a 1-0 friendly win at Red Bull Arena. The match marked Howard's return to the U.S. goal for the first time since the 2014 World Cup round of 16.

USA U-17 vs. Nigeria, October 17

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Victor Osimhen scores for Nigeria in a 2-0 win over the USA in the teams' FIFA Under-17 World Cup opener in Chile.

USA U-17 vs. Croatia, October 20

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USA U-17 midfielder Christian Pulisic watches his opening goal find the back of the net in the Americans' 2-2 draw with Croatia at the World Cup. The U.S. led 2-0 on Pulisic's goal and assist to Brandon Vazquez, but the European side mounted a furious rally to salvage a point.

USWNT vs. Brazil, October 21

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Shannon Boxx, right, passes off the captain's armband to Carli Lloyd in her final act as a player, riding into retirement in the first half of a 1-1 draw against Brazil in Seattle.

USA U-17 vs. Chile, October 23

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USA U-17 captain Hugo Arellano sits dejected after a 4-1 loss to host Chile eliminated the Americans from the World Cup in the group stage.

USWNT vs. Brazil, October 25

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The USA said goodbye to two more veterans, with Lauren Holiday, left, and Lori Chalupny ending their careers during a 2-1 win over Brazil in Orlando. The team improved to 5-0-1 on its World Cup victory tour with the win.

USWNT at the White House, October 27

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President Barack Obama welcomes the World Cup-champion USWNT to the White House, honoring their triumph in Canada.

USMNT vs. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, November 13

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Jozy Altidore watches one of his shots head toward goal in the USA's 6-1 win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the opening of 2018 World Cup qualifying. Altidore scored twice, as the USA overcame a shocking early deficit and won at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

USMNT vs. Trinidad and Tobago, November 17

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Gyasi Zardes and the U.S. men were held to a 0-0 draw by Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain, closing the year with a World Cup qualifying and sitting atop Group C in the semifinal round via goal differential tiebreaker.

USWNT vs. Trinidad & Tobago, December 10

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Christen Press triumphantly raises her hand after a goal during her hat trick in a 6-0 rout of Trinidad & Tobago at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

USWNT vs. China, December 13

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Crystal Dunn leaves her feet to settle a pass in the USA's 2-0 win over China at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Dunn and Christen Press scored the goals.

USWNT vs. China, December 16

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Abby Wambach is introduced in the U.S. lineup for the last time at the Superdome in New Orleans, playing in her final match before retiring. She ends her U.S. career with 255 appearances and an international-record 184 goals.