Official Match Thread: USA v Cuba (CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinal)

[TheRef]

Finally it's time for do-or-die. Starting XI has been announced for the US. Kickoff is at 4 PM CT in Baltimore. You can watch on FOX.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CKOMjt_UkAABpGb.png

[mstatefan91]

Why did John Brooks have to go and get suspended? Damn

[mstatefan91]

And why no Yedlin?

[TheRef]

I like Johannson and Dempsey up front.

[War Machine Dawg]

I like Johannson and Dempsey up front.

Me too, just wish we'd find a way to get Bardes up there. I'm pretty surprised that Yedlin isn't starting.

[Dawg61]

USA!!!! USA!!!! USA!!!!

[Dawg61]

WOW!!!! Very nice goal!!

[TheRef]

DEUCE!!!!! Dempsey with a goal in the fourth minute. 1-0 USA

[mstatefan91]

Good start. Can't make mistakes on the back line

[Dawg61]

Beautiful header by Dempsey!!

[TheRef]

Apparently, two players on the Cuban team have defected during the Gold Cup.

[Dawg61]

Apparently, two players on the Cuban team have defected during the Gold Cup.

So weird that Cubans pick this moment to defect. No other country in the world does this during sporting events like Cuba does. **** that country

[TheRef]

So weird that Cubans pick this moment to defect. No other country in the world does this during sporting events like Cuba does. **** that country

Paid excuse to leave the country for a tournament, no suspicion of you leaving the country. It's dangerous, but I can see why they do it

[TheRef]

ZARDES!!!! 2-0 USA 15'

[mstatefan91]

That looked far too easy. Game is over. Not that I mind lol

[War Machine Dawg]

Paid excuse to leave the country for a tournament, no suspicion of you leaving the country. It's dangerous, but I can see why they do it

Exactly. Most convenient, minimum risk time to get out. And for the record, I'm glad we're ending the embargo. If their people haven't overthrown the Castros in 50 years, it ain't happening by continuing the embargo. Give them a taste of capitalism and US tourism money for a while, see what happens.

[War Machine Dawg]

That looked far too easy. Game is over. Not that I mind lol

Don't think it was ever in doubt. Cuba is pretty awful, especially now that they've lost depth due to defectors. Hope we keep the foot on the gas, though. Sitting back and playing D always make me nervous.

[TheRef]

Correction....5 players have defected from Cuba during the Gold Cup.

[mstatefan91]

I was never overly concerned by Cuba. Just didn't want them to come out and get a quick goal. Glad we started the way we did.

[mstatefan91]

Bedoya probably wants to have words with Johannsson lol

Glad the guy's hard work finally paid off

[War Machine Dawg]

GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!! Aaron Johansson. What a damn goal.

[War Machine Dawg]

WTF?! How is that not a penalty? Clear trip in the box.

[Dawg61]

Are the Cuba players that defected expecting to be added to MLS clubs? That's an interesting way for MLS to be getting deeper talent.

[mstatefan91]

If I was a Cuban player and in the USA, I would defect in a heart beat. MLS opportunities or not

[Dawg61]

If I was a Cuban player and in the USA, I would defect in a heart beat. MLS opportunities or not

I'm not sure how I feel about it. USA is pretty dangerous as is. Anyone that wants to become a U.S. citizen needs to go through the right process. When these players defect the U.S. just takes them in. It's not exactly safe or fair tbh. Sorry your country sucks but you've still gotta go through the correct process.

[mstatefan91]

I'm not sure how I feel about it. USA is pretty dangerous as is. Anyone that wants to become a U.S. citizen needs to go through the right process. When these players defect the U.S. just takes them in. It's not exactly safe or fair tbh. Sorry your country sucks but you've still gotta go through the correct process.
That is the correct process for Cubans... don't you get that?

Enough of political and immigration talk.

GOAL! 4-0

[War Machine Dawg]

Won't lie, I'm probably going to fall asleep this half. Big lead, Cubans are helplessly overmatched.

[mstatefan91]

Time to get some pizza and some beer. Might watch some MLS later.

Or pass out. Either way

[TheRef]

FT: United States 6 - 0 Cuba

Will play winner between Haiti and Jamaica

[TheRef]

USA will play Jamaica on Wednesday in Atlanta.

[War Machine Dawg]

USA will play Jamaica on Wednesday in Atlanta.

Yah mon.

[DudyDawg]

Jamaica will probably be our first real test. Should still win handily. But they have some talented guys and are a tough team to put away. They just lost 1-0 to Argentina in copa America

[AFDawg]

So weird that Cubans pick this moment to defect. No other country in the world does this during sporting events like Cuba does. **** that country

Well, 17 the Cuban government.