The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) is set to take on Guatemala in the semifinals of the Concacaf Gold Cup this evening at Energizer Park in St. Louis, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on FS1.
Both teams advanced through dramatic penalty shootouts in their quarterfinal matches, and now they vie for a coveted spot in the final.
**Team Dynamics and Growth**
The current USMNT roster, which has been training together for about a month since early June, exhibits a mix of potential and fresh faces, averaging only 16 international caps among the 26 players.
After a thrilling victory over Costa Rica in their last match, the team is optimistic about their growing chemistry on and off the field.
Tim Ream, the captain and defender, expressed his admiration for the bonds forming among players during games, in the locker room, and even during meals.
Ream recalled a pivotal moment in their last knockout match when teammates rallied behind Malik Tillman after he missed a penalty kick.
“It’s a testament to how we’re coming together,” he said, praising their commitment to each other and to their nation.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino also emphasized the importance of team unity, stating, “That is what we want, that is how we feel, how we want to represent our country.”
**Familiar Opponents**
The Guatemala squad will feature notable players familiar to U.S. Soccer fans.
Rubio Rubín and Aaron Herrera, both of whom have ties to the U.S. Soccer program, offer an intriguing subplot to this match.
Rubín earned seven caps with the senior U.S. team before switching his allegiance to Guatemala in 2022, while Herrera represented the U.S. at youth levels, notably competing in the U-20 FIFA World Cup alongside USMNT star Tyler Adams.
Adams shared that facing his former teammate will be a “unique experience,” but cautioned that the U.S. team cannot underestimate Guatemala, emphasizing their strength as a semifinal contender.
Notably, Rubín has already scored twice in the tournament, emerging as a key player for Guatemala.
**Hometown Hero**
For Tim Ream, this match holds special significance as he plays in his hometown of St. Louis for the first time in a Gold Cup setting.
Although he has participated in friendlies and World Cup Qualifying matches in the city, this Gold Cup moment is particularly meaningful for him.
“I always dreamed of this as a kid, never knowing that I’d get the opportunity,” Ream said.
The defender, now 37, looks forward to representing his country and community on this stage, as he aims to help the USA clinch its 13th Gold Cup Final appearance.
**Historical Context**
Historically, the U.S. and Guatemala have faced off 27 times since their first meeting in 1977.
The USMNT boasts an advantageous record of 16 wins, five losses, and six draws against Guatemala.
In previous Gold Cup tournaments, the teams have crossed paths three times, with their last notable encounter in 1996 when Guatemala made their last semifinal appearance.
During that encounter, both teams exited at the semifinal stage, leading to a third-place match in which the USA triumphed 3-0.
The most recent match occurred in 2016 during World Cup Qualifying, where the USA secured a 4-0 victory in Columbus, Ohio.
**Path to the Semifinals**
The path leading to the semifinals has been eventful for both teams.
The USMNT advanced after a thrilling quarterfinal that ended in a 2-2 draw against Costa Rica, ultimately winning 4-3 on penalties.
Diego Luna and Max Arfsten contributed crucial goals in regulation, helping the team secure their place in the semifinals.
In contrast, Guatemala emerged as the underdog of the tournament, defeating heavily favored Canada 1-1 before prevailing 6-5 on penalties in their quarterfinal clash.
Remarkably, Guatemala entered the tournament as one of the lowest-ranked teams but showcased their resilience by upsetting Jamaica in the group stage.
With both teams now ready to battle for a spot in the Gold Cup final, all eyes will be on Energizer Park tonight.
image source from：ussoccer
