Thanks to goals from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey, the US men’s national team avenged their 4-0 loss to Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying to secure a spot in the Gold Cup final.
In the semifinal, Bruce Arena’s men put in a competent if not unspectacular performance we’ve come accustomed to throughout the tournament, but there were a few bright spots to build on as the team now has the opportunity to take home some silverware.
Here’s five takeaways as the USMNT head to the 10th Gold Cup in their history:
Stability at the back
The center-back combination of Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler provided something the USMNT hadn’t had all Gold Cup: stability.