For the U.S. Men’s National Team, the post-Gold Cup cycle begins in earnest this October. While two friendlies in September against Mexico and Uruguay signified the genuine beginning of the Gregg Berhalter era, after the former Columbus Crew had just six months to prepare for the summer’s Gold Cup.
And two matches in October now present the first competitive matches after the Gold Cup final defeat to Mexico. The USMNT play two matches in the CONCACAF Nations League, the first against Cuba in Washington D.C. and the second in Toronto against a dangerous Canada team who are no longer substantially talent deficient in comparison to their North American neighbours.