US Soccer Cruising So Far Through Gold Cup
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by user Thecrookedcap
In what will be a very busy summer for US Soccer, with two continental championships, and an Under-21 World Cup to participate in, it has been so far, so good in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. In addition to being the only team to obtain the maximum nine points in the group stage, they are also the only squad not to suffer defeat in the tournament.
Quarterfinal Preview
Canada - 
Guatemala
The first semifinal pits Group A winners Canada against Group B runners-up Guatemala. Canada got off to a surprising start defeating Costa Rica, usually considered the third best team in CONCACAF, but also suffered an upset loss to tiny Guadeloupe, before bouncing back against Haiti.
Guatemala held the US to one goal in the first game defeat, but has looked very sluggish otherwise. They're regular longball strategy got them a win against El Salvador, but a draw against a second-string Trinidad & Tobago team (only one member of the side that went to the World Cup played) does not show well. Look for the Canadians to advance.
United States - 
Panama
The US has cruised through the first round, dispatching the aforementioned Guatemala and Trinidad & Tobago sides by 1-0 and 2-0 margins respectively. They finished up the group with a 4-0 victory over El Salvador. They have yet to face a team that can challenge them. Panama may be the first real challenge. During the last Gold Cup, these two teams met in the finals, where the US won only on penalty kicks. Still, the homesoil is an advantage, and an upset is unlikely.
Honduras - 
Guadeloupe
This match puts together the two side who have completed the big upsets of the tournament. Honduras beat Mexico 2-1 to win Group C. They have scored the most goals so far in the tournament with nine. Carlos Pavon has the scoring lead after putting four past Cuba, with Carlos Costly scoring three including the two goals against Mexico.
Guadeloupe went 1-1-1 through the group stage with the victory over Canada sealing their ticket to the quarterfinals. This is the first Gold Cup for Guadeloupe, who is a member of CONCACAF but not of FIFA, because it is technically a part of France and its residents are eligible for the French National Team. Tottenham's Pascal Chimbonda and Barcelona's Lilian Thuram were born here, and Thierry Henry's father is from here, so the island does have some heritage in the sport.
Costa Rica - 
Mexico
Los Ticos and El Tri will face off in the big name semifinal. Costa Rica has not impressed so far, with a win against Guadeloupe and a draw to Haiti. Meanwhile, Mexico's loss to Honduras is their only blemish so far. I question if they put a full effort into the group stage though; they will be competing in Copa America (as will the US) in the coming weeks, so they may be holding back to not expend their players too much in this tournament.
And Guadeloupe!! The USA really ought to win that game.
Mexico are favourites though.