The most anticipated match of this summer’s international break, at least for Americans anyway, is finally here!  It’s the Gold Cup Final!  Since the European club campaign ended in early June, we’ve played witness to the Euro Under-20 Championship, Confederations Cup, World cup Qualifiers, and now CONCACAF is finally center stage. The United States is set to square of. against underdog Jamaica in Santa Clara, California tomorrow night.  Thus, I’ll be giving you the lowdown on the final this week!  Plus, be sure to check out the bonus short that is sure to tickle your fancy at the end of this article!

USA vs Jamaica
Levi Stadium, Santa Clara, California, USA
Wednesday, July 26th, 2017    9:30PM ET    FOX

2015 Gold Cup Semifinal Rematch

The intrigue was already at fever pitch since this is the final match of CONCACAF’s premier competition, but the fact that this game is also a rematch, of one of two 2015 Gold Cup semifinals, only adds to the anticipation.  Back in 2015, a younger and arguably more talented United States’s squad was on track to run through the Gold Cup competition. They would then have won their second consecutive title, and clinched a spot into last month’s Confederations Cup.  There was only one problem with that, nobody bothered to tell Jamaica.  Michael Bradley, Brad Guzan, Clint Dempsey and the rest of the team had one eye already onto the final against arch rival Mexico.  As a result, of the Americans underestimation of Jamaica, they were unfocused and and shell-shocked as the Reggae Boyz stunned Team USA to the tune of a 4-0 scoreline, in front of a sold out Meadowlands crowd in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  In the wake of that match, fingers were primarily being pointed at former manager Jurgen Klinsmann for allowing such a shocking result to transpire.  Many pundits and fans alike were clamoring for Klinsmann to be sacked, but he remained at the helm for a little while longer until ultimately getting canned after another dismal display against Costa Rica durning the Hex.  Meanwhile, Jamaica reached the final where it ultimately lost to El Tri on United States soil.  Will this week’s match be any different with Brucearena around be any different? 

Gold Cup Pedigree vs Underdog Mentality

This final will not only be a battle of skill, speed, physicality, and tactics, but it will also be a contest amongst the wits.  The United States has played in 9 of the previous 12 Gold Cup Finals, winning 5 titles.  Therefore, the Americans will have a sense of calm and collective confidence about this match and their play— they’ve been there and done that.  Conversely, Jamaica will be participating in only its second Gold Cup Final, although it will be its second in a row.  As aforementioned, the Reggae Boyz lost to Mexico in 2015, so Jamaica has never felt the taste of victory, or smelled the fresh, crisp, cool air of the mountain top.  But what the Jamaicans do have is the toughness to exceed expectations.  The same will to win that was on display two years ago in New Jersey was the same desire and determination that saw it fend off a heavily favored El Tri team a couple of nights ago.  I fully expect that hunger, that never say die, that us against the world mentality will be ever present come Wednesday evening.

Key Performers

There will be plenty of stars out Wednesday night, and not because of all the American flags being waved in the stands of Levi Stadium.  Rather, it’ll be the exceptional play on the pitch, particularly by two men with opposing objectives. United States’s Clint Dempsey and Jamaica’s Andre Blake.  We all know Clint Dempsey.  Now the United States’ joint goalscoring king with 57 career international goals.  He accomplished this feat in 21 fewer matches and 9 less penalty kick scores than the other leader that shall not be named, making the mark even more impressive.  So it’s fair to assume and expect another dazzling display from Dempsey in the final.  The only question is, will he start or be a second half supper sub once again?  As for Andre Blake, without a shadow of doubt he’s Jamaica’s best player.  The Philadelphia Union goalkeeper single-handedly, well also “single-footly”, kept his Reggae Boyz in it against El Tri on Sunday.  He stopped 5 shots en route to a second clean sheet of the Gold Cup against Mexico. A similar performance will be required if the Jamaicans are to have any chance this go round against Team USA.

LSB Prediction  

Much like two years ago, the Unite States is a huge favorite to win, with Jamaica in its accustomed role of underdog.  The Reggae Boyz jumped up, bit, and bullied the Americans last time out; but this year, in this match, things will be different.  The sweet smell of revenge and the tantalizing taste of Gold Cup victory will have Clint Dempsey and the Americans wounding the Jamaicans early with a quick fire double. Dempsey will then seal the deal in the second half!
3-0 United States

El Classico Bonus Short

Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, USA
Saturday, July 29th, 2017  7:30PM ET  ESPN

It’s must see television whenever Real Madrid and Barcelona square off.  Typically, the two iconic clubs meet in their respective home cities in Spain, and the result of said match is for much higher stakes. Stakes such as La Liga, Copa del Rey, the Spanish Supercopa, etc.  But this time, Los Merengeus face La Blaugrana in Miami, Florida, for the International Champions Cup!  Thus, whilst this fixture will still supply us with the best collection of talent currently assembled on one pitch, the game itself is still just a friendly.  Thus, expect plenty of substitutions throughout the match.  With that said, the intensity and physicality will certainly be present with whoever steps foot between the lines.  Because in the end, it’s still Real Madrid versus Barcelona and neither side ever wants to lose to its eternal rival.

LSB Prediction:  With South Beach, as its backdrop, this El Classico is expected to have a Super Bowlesque feel to it come matchday.  With an electric crowd featuring celebrities galore, the atmosphere should be top-notch.  The on-field performance will produce fireworks, as well.  The MSN of Messi, Suarez, and Neymar will be a handful and more for Sergio Ramos’s men.  And in perhaps Neymar’s swan song, he scores the winner for La Azulgrana! 3-2 FC Barcelona