McCarty upbeat entering Cup
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — This already has been a year of transition and triumph for Dax McCarty.
The Winter Park native was traded in January from the New York Red Bulls to Chicago, which won its only Major League Soccer championship in 1998, and has helped turn around the Fire’s fortunes. And the 30-year-old midfielder returned to the U.S. national team for the first time in six years, brought back after Bruce Arena replaced Jurgen Klinsmann as coach.
“It’s given me a lot of confidence,” McCarty said ahead of today’s CONCACAF Gold Cup opener against Panama. “Obviously with Chicago, we’re having a really good season. The change was tough at first, but I think now that I’m settled in, I think it’s been fantastic for myself and my family. I feel like I’m playing some of the best soccer that I’ve played in my career.”
The U.S. tied Panama 1-1 in a March 28 World Cup qualifier at Panama City, though both teams are missing many top players for the Gold Cup. The U.S. has 30 wins, one defeat and three draws in Gold Cup group play, losing to Panama in 2011. Panama tied the Americans in the first round two years ago, then won on penalty kicks in the third-place match.
The Gold Cup can struggle to gain traction amid a crowded soccer schedule, particularly in the year before a World Cup. The Confederations Cup just finished Sunday and some European clubs will soon be playing preseason exhibitions across the U.S.
“Its importance is twofold,” McCarty said. “The first one is that we want to win a trophy. Any time you enter a tournament, that should be every single team’s goal — to win a tournament.
“. . . The second goal is to try to find guys who will continue to be able to contribute to the team for World Cup qualifiers and eventually in the World Cup next year. I think our team has a lot of depth. We’ve got a lot of good players in this pool, so the competition is fierce. Anytime you get a chance to step on the field when the so-called regulars aren’t here, you want to make a good impression.”
Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio has been effectively banned from the Gold Cup by FIFA for insulting match officials.
FIFA banned Osorio for six matches on Friday for his behavior during the Confederations Cup third-place game last Sunday, when Mexico lost to Portugal 2-1.