The 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup has had it all, from upsets to tainted chicken. The United States was one of the two favorites heading in, yet despite being in the consensus easiest group in the tournament, the U.S. still needs a win over Guadeloupe tonight at 9:00 PM to advance to the Quarterfinal round. The game will be broadcast on Fox Soccer Channel, along with another critical match between Panama and Canada at 7:00 PM.
With a win over the currently winless Guadeloupe, the U.S. is guaranteed entrance into the next round. With a loss or tie, the U.S. would need for group leading Panama to get a result against Canada. The U.S. defeated Canada 2-0, but lost to Panama 2-1 last week, and is currently tied with Canada for second place in the group. The Americans hold a tiebreaker over Canada due to the team's prior win.
If the U.S. defeats Guadeloupe and Canada defeats Panama, the Americans would still finish atop Group C and meet El Salvador or Guatemala in the Quarterfinals at 6:00 PM on Sunday at RFK Stadium. Should Panama beat or tie Canada with the U.S. defeating Guadeloupe, the U.S. will be the Group C runner-up and face Jamaica, the winner of Group B, at 3:00 PM on Sunday at RFK Stadium.
A U.S. loss or tie to Guadeloupe, coupled with a Canada win, would send the Americans out of the tournament, but we'd prefer not to think about that too much.
For complete coverage over the Gold Cup, head over to SB Nation Soccer, and for a local flair, check in with Black And Red United.