Everything else domestic
The US defeated Honduras, 2–1, to open Gold Cup play. Clint Dempsey had two headed goals, but the US defense looked shaky, and the young wing players underperformed. The win is welcome, but the US will need to improve in order to succeed as the tournament progresses.
The World Cup hangover lasted until well into March, but consecutive wins over Mexico, the Netherlands, Germany, and Guatemala has the US primed and ready for the Gold Cup, as the Red, White, and Blue take on Honduras on Tuesday evening.
Carli Lloyd had a first half hat trick as the U.S. ran out 5-2 winners over Japan in the World Cup Final.
Tim Chandler, Clint Dempsey, and Chris Wondolowski added second half goals after a Carlos Castrillo own goal put the US ahead in the opening frame as the Americans breezed through their final tuneup before the Gold Cup.
Despite going a goal and a man down, the Union rallied to an impressive 2-1 victory over DC United, sending them into the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup.
The US changed formations and defeated top ranked Germany 2-0 to advance to the Women’s World Cup Finals.