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Zardes handed starting spot for USMNT against Curacao

After making wholesale changes in the U.S. national team's final Gold Cup group stage match, Gregg Berhalter is bringing back his original 11 starters for Sunday's quarterfinal clash against Curacao.

Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie lead the attack, with Columbus Crew striker Gyasi Zardes getting the nod over Jozy Altidore for the target striker role. Altidore came into the Gold Cup considered the favorite to start, and boosted his case after scoring the winner in Wednesday's group stage victory against Panama, but Zardes earned another start after his strong showing in the team's opening victories.