The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup has come and gone and this year’s edition did not disappoint. Out of 25 total matches there were 55 total goals scored, a combined attendance of over 800,000 fans. We saw some surprises, some first timers and many young players got to showcase their talents at the international level. In the end we were left with some memorable moments.
Team USA may have walked away with the trophy and the glory, but there was plenty of Latino Pride to be had at El Copa Oro. Many Latino players had their moments to shine through various points of this three week affair. Here are the Latino players who stood out at the 2017 Gold Cup…..
Omar Gonzalez, United States Midfielder
He’s one of only two U.S. Soccer players to score two goals in this tournament (the other being forward Jozy Altidore). Although they were just the second and third goals respectively of his international career, they became significant moments for Team USA. His first goal was the start of a three-goal barrage in group play against Martinique. His second goal was part of the semifinal shutout of El Salvador. And at just 28-years-old, he’s expected to be a future contributor for U.S. Soccer.
Nelson Bonilla, El Salvador Forward
Like Gonzalez, Bonilla also scored two goals for his country. And like Gonzalez his goals were significant moments for his team. Both of Bonilla’s goals came in the Group C bracket. He scored El Salvador’s only goal in the group opening loss to Mexico, and again was the only scorer in a draw with Jamaica two games later. Those games combined with a win over Curacao were enough to push the Salvadorians into the knockout stages.
Gabriel Torres, Panama Forward
This 28-year-old is also part of the Gold Cup’s deuce club. His goals in Group B victories over Nicaragua and Martinique gave Panama a second place finish in said group (2-1-0, 7 points) behind the United States and put them into the knockout stages.
Jesse Gonzalez, United States Goalkeeper
Although he didn’t see the field during the Gold Cup, and even though he wasn’t added to the roster until the quarterfinals, Gonzalez was a hot topic of discussion as he made plenty of noise off the field. Gonzalez made history as being the only player to ever switch from Mexico’s national team over to Team USA using FIFA’s one-time switch rule. And at 22-years-old, he’ll eventually replace aging legends Tim Howard (38-years-old) and Brad Guzan (33) in net for U.S. Soccer, so it was probably a smart move.
Jesus Duenas, Mexico Midfielder
While the Tigres midfielder didn’t score during the tournament, he played in every game for “El Tri” and was the only member of Mexico’s national team to be named to the tournaments “Best XI” list.
Mexico’s Goal Scorers
“El Tri” scored a total of six goals during their run up to the semifinals. Those goals came courtesy of defenders Edson Alvarez and Hedgardo Marin, midfielders Elias Hernandez, Orbelin Pineda and Rodolfo Pizarro, and forward Angel Sepulveda. They made it all the way to the semifinals before being upset by Jamaica.
Costa Rica’s Fab Five
“La Tricolor” continues to improve with each and every competition. Just take a look at their performances in the last couple of World Cups and Copa Centroamericana’s. This year was no different as they reached the Gold Cup semifinal for the second time in team history (first since 2009). They did so thanks to goals courtesy of defender Francisco Calvo, strikers Ariel Francisco Rodriguez and Marco Urena, forward David Ramirez, and midfielder Rodney Wallace. Although they couldn’t get past Team USA, these five players will play key roles once World Cup qualifying resumes in the fall.
Panama’s Fearsome Foursome
These four men were the only reason why Panama made it to the quarterfinals before falling to Costa Rica. The goals from forwards Abdiel Arroyo and Ismael Diaz, along with midfielder Miguel Camargo and defender Michael Murillo were enough to get them out of group play. But they were unable to duplicate that success once they took the pitch against Costa Rica.
