NASHVILLE – The CONCACAF Gold Cup presents a balancing act for Bruce Arena, the U.S. men’s national soccer team coach. He wants to win the trophy, one that has eluded the Americans in three of the previous four regional tournaments.
But in a year marked prominently by the final round of 2018 World Cup qualifying, he also wants to test secondary players.
At the end of a 1-1 draw with Panama in Saturday’s opener, Arena undoubtedly had mixed feelings.
He witnessed another goal by newcomer Dom Dwyer, good work by prospect Kelyn Rowe and terrific saves by veteran Brad Guzan.