SOCCER · 3 months ago

USMNT Gold Cup Evaluation: Stock Up, Stock Down for 4 Players

David Connelly

Host · Writer

Stock Down: Tyler Adams
On a squad where he was expected to be the leader and largely dominate the midfield, Tyler Adams was a bit underwhelming in this Gold Cup. He had trouble making much of an impact and clearly looked lost with his passing and decision-making in the final against Mexico. He seems to be a rung below the player he was when the World Cup rolled around three summers ago, which is a bit concerning for a 26-year-old who is expected to be entering his prime.
Stock Up: Matt Freese
Perhaps the highlight of the entire tournament for the United States was Matt Freese's masterful performance in their penalty shootout victory over Costa Rica in the quarterfinal. Freese correctly guessed on five of six kicks, saving three of Costa Rica's attempts and boosting the Americans to the semifinal. He will certainly be in the mix with Matt Turner to be the man between the pipes in the U.S.'s first match at the 2026 World Cup.

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Stock Down: Patrick Agyemang
The job as the starting striker for the USMNT has been a revolving door for years now, and Patrick Agyemang had a clear runway to solidify himself as the man for the position at this tournament. He left plenty to be desired in his performances at the Gold Cup, leaving the U.S. no closer to finding its target man in the middle with the World Cup just one year away.
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Stock Up: Chris Richards
Not only did Chris Richards display his ability to anchor a back line as an elite defender and leader, but he also showed off some serious scoring prowess. The Crystal Palace center back found the back of the net with two beautiful headers in the tournament, most notably in the fourth minute of the final against Mexico. Among all the players who participated in the Gold Cup, he is the most locked in to the starting 11 for the 2026 World Cup.
Stock Down: Tyler Adams
On a squad where he was expected to be the leader and largely dominate the midfield, Tyler Adams was a bit underwhelming in this Gold Cup. He had trouble making much of an impact and clearly looked lost with his passing and decision-making in the final against Mexico. He seems to be a rung below the player he was when the World Cup rolled around three summers ago, which is a bit concerning for a 26-year-old who is expected to be entering his prime.
Stock Up: Matt Freese
Perhaps the highlight of the entire tournament for the United States was Matt Freese's masterful performance in their penalty shootout victory over Costa Rica in the quarterfinal. Freese correctly guessed on five of six kicks, saving three of Costa Rica's attempts and boosting the Americans to the semifinal. He will certainly be in the mix with Matt Turner to be the man between the pipes in the U.S.'s first match at the 2026 World Cup.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

USMNT Gold Cup Evaluation: Stock Up, Stock Down for 4 Players

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