No Mexico? U.S. just wants title in Gold Cup

The matchup in the Gold Cup final at Levi’s Stadium on Wednesday night is not the one CONCACAF privately wanted, because a U.S.-Mexico showdown elevates ticket sales and stirs curiosity beyond the region’s borders.

It’s not what Fox Sports and Univision wanted either, because a U.S. versus Mexico match, in any soccer competition, draws strong TV numbers.

None of that, however, matters one bit to the U.S. squad, which, after securing its place Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in Arlington, Texas, arrived in the Bay Area on Sunday in time to watch coverage of Jamaica’s 1-0 triumph against Mexico.

The Americans were quick to dismiss suggestions that Wednesday’s championship match has lost luster because Mexico failed to join them.

“I (couldn’t) care less who we are playing in the final,” head coach Bruce Arena said. “We want to win a trophy.”

After winning the Gold Cup once in the previous four attempts, the Americans aren’t choosy about the last hurdle.

“Getting our hands on that trophy is paramount for us,” goalkeeper Tim Howard said, “no matter who stands in our way.”

CONCACAF announced Monday that almost 60,000 tickets are gone, but a large percentage of the advance sales were undoubtedly in anticipation of Mexico’s appearance. El Tri is the tournament’s biggest draw, even though the event is played in the United States. And with many Mexican supporters holding tickets to the final, it’s unclear how many will try to unload them on the secondary market or not bother showing up.