The U.S. Men’s National Team begins its quest to defend its CONCACAF Gold Cup title on Tuesday, opening the 2015 edition of the tournament against Honduras in Frisco, Texas.
Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad is coming off a 4-0 victory over Guatemala in its final tune-up match for the tournament. Sounders FC forward Clint Dempsey scored his 41st international goal, which is the second most of all time among USMNT players.
Although Brad Evans wasn’t featured in Friday’s win, the Seattle captain joins Dempsey on the USA squad that’s vying for its sixth Gold Cup trophy.
Following their matchup with Honduras on Tuesday, the Americans will face Haiti on Friday and Panama on July 13 to determine the nations that advance from Group A.
“It’s a difficult group, no matter how you put it. We’ve got to take each game one at a time,” Evans said. “You get the first result and you get the second, and then you see where you are from there.
“Clint and I have talked about it in depth – All these teams are so good now. Our group will be a very difficult task, and we’ve got to be up for it. It’s not a cakewalk anymore to get through the group stage in this region.”
Having appeared in three matches during the 2009 tournament, Evans is looking to play in his second Gold Cup. Dempsey is the only two-time champion and three-time participant on this USA squad, as the veteran striker played in the 2005, 2007 and 2011 Gold Cups.
The USMNT has traditionally been very successful versus Honduras, owning a 14-4-4 all-time record against the Central American nation and an unblemished 5-0-1 record in Gold Cup action.
Tuesday’s contest at Toyota Stadium kicks off at 6:30 p.m. PT with national television coverage on FOX Sports 1.
