by JACK HAZZARD
A historic yet trouble-free match for the Red, White, and Blue awaits.
After sealing themselves a spot in the Hex for the future 2018 World Cup in Russia, the United States Men’s National Team will enjoy somewhat of a lax friendly campaign over the upcoming international break, taking on weaker opposition in Cuba and New Zealand.
Squaring off for the first time on Cuban soil since 1947, the United States will travel to Havana, Cuba Friday night to play their first of two friendlies during the current international break.
Due to past relations, matches in Cuba have been extremely rare making this weekend’s match only the third time that the two countries have met on Cuba soil. Although contests are few, the two sides have squared off a total of 11 times throughout their history. The United States currently lead the series between the two countries, holding a convincing record of 9-1-1, suffering their only loss in the series’ first match on July 20, 1947, in Havana.
The most recent contest occurred on September 6th, 2009, which resulted in a 1-0 win for the United States as star striker Clint Dempsey scored his country’s one and only goal in the 40th minute.
Although Friday night’s match brings little meaning to the United States, it should be used as an experiment to test uncapped newcomers Lynden Gooch and Ethan Horvath as well as reevaluate returning veterans Timothy Chandler and Danny Williams.
PROJECTED STARTING XI:
UNITED STATES: William Yarbrough; DeAndre Yedlin, John Brooks, Geoff Cameron, Fabian Johnson; Paul Arriola, Michael Bradley, Perry Kitchen, Christian Pulisic; Jozy Altidore, Bobby Wood
CUBA: Sandy Sanchez; Jorge Clavelo, David Urgelles, Andy Vaquero, Yosel Piedra; Daniel Luis, Carlos Francisco, Alberto Gomez, Arichel Hernandez, Abel Martinez; Maikel Reyes
Player to Watch: After scoring goals against Trinidad & Tobago and Puerto Rico, 21-year-old midfielder Paul Arriola became just the eighth North American player of all-time to score in each of his first two caps for his country. With usual right-sided midfielder Alejandro Bedoya set to miss out on Friday’s match due to a strained rib muscle, Arriola could see himself slide into the starting position on the right end of the field for Klinsmann’s side. Using his pace and explosiveness, the Club Tijuana attacker could also add to his current achievement, potentially ending Friday night’s match having scored three goals in each of his first three senior international matches.
X-Factor: With notable veteran goalkeepers Brad Guzan and Tim Howard remaining home for the international break, Klinsmann will look to a slew of inexperienced youngsters to defend the net. Having a combined three caps for the United States’ National Team, William Yarbrough,Ethan Horvath, and David Bingham will have the opportunity to earn themselves a long-term spot in the national team as the U.S. look to find a replacement for their current aging veterans.
How to Watch: Kickoff at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN2, Unimas
Location: Estadio Pedro Marrero; Havana, Cuba
Anything but a win Friday night would result in failure for the United States in Havana. Having a vastly superior squad when compared with Cuba’s, Jurgen Klinsmann and company should put on a spectacle for all U.S. fan’s to enjoy. With the interesting mixture of young and old, the unique roster will surely fuel conversations for the coming World Cup qualifying cycle.
Hurricane Matthew threatened to derail the friendly. The team was originally scheduled to leave for Havana at 8 a.m. ET on Thursday morning. However, they wound up taking off at 1 a.m. instead to avoid, as U.S Soccer puts it, “any potential delays for the hour-long flight to the Cuban capital.”
The team arrived without issue.
These friendlies will give U.S. fans a glimpse of some of the country’s youngest prospects. Nevertheless, if all goes accordingly, the United States will return to Cuban soil and claim victory
PREDICTION: 4-0 win.
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