The former University of Virginia standout continued to make a strong impression Thursday in Kansas City, Kan., scoring twice during a 6-1 victory over Martinique in the group stage of the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Dike, 21, not only finished his opportunities; he displayed the tools needed for the rigors of the regional qualifiers, a 14-game sprint starting in September. Other strikers under consideration include Josh Sargent, Jordan Siebatcheu and Gyasi Zardes.
Dike’s stock has been rising since the spring, when he went on loan from MLS’s Orlando City to Barnsley and almost led the English second-flight club to Premier League promotion.