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Gold Cup 2019: Odds, TV Schedule, Live Stream, Predictions for Friday Fixtures

Jun 21, 2019
Jamaica's Dever Orgill celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup match between Jamaica and Honduras, on June 17, 2019 at Independence Park in Kingston. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/Getty Images)
Jamaica's Dever Orgill celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup match between Jamaica and Honduras, on June 17, 2019 at Independence Park in Kingston. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/Getty Images)

The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup is well underway, and the teams in Group C play their second round of matches in Texas on Friday.

El Salvador and Jamaica are both sitting on three points after the opening fixtures and come up against each other at the BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston.

Meanwhile, Honduras and Curacao are playing catch-up and will both be looking to get off the mark.

Here are all the scheduling and viewing details for both matches:

                 

El Salvador vs. Jamaica

Date: Friday, June 21 

Venue: BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, Texas

Time: 6 p.m. local, 7 p.m. ET, midnight BST

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): El Salvador 4-1, Draw 2-1, Jamaica 11-10

              

Honduras vs. Curacao

Date: Friday, June 21 

Venue: BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, Texas

Time: 8:30 p.m. local, 9:30 p.m. ET, 2:30 a.m. BST (Saturday)

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): Honduras 7-9, Draw 23-8, Curacao 22-5

                  

The opening Group C fixtures were tight. El Salvador beat Curacao 1-0 thanks to Nelson Bonilla's strike in first-half stoppage time.

The second fixture was a more high-scoring affair as Jamaica won 3-2 against Honduras, with Dever Orgill netting a first-half double for the Reggae Boyz.

Jamaica were pegged back soon after the break when Anthony Lozano netted, but they quickly got a third through Damion Lowe before Rubilio Castillo scored a consolation goal in stoppage time.

Against El Salvador, Jamaica will look to make a fast start again and have a comfortable lead by the break.

Manager Theodore Whitmore noted after the win against Honduras that his side have work to do in defence:

That is sure to be a concern further down the line, especially if Jamaica make it to the knockout rounds.

However, they do have the quality to take the game to El Salvador.

At No. 54 in the world rankings, they are only 15 places ahead of La Selecta, but Jamaica should go into the game confident they can pick up another victory that would potentially put them into the knockout rounds. 

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For Honduras and Curacao, a draw would be of little value for either side in their bid to reach the knockout rounds, so it could be an entertaining game in Texas.

Honduras are the favourites with the bookmakers, but they do not go into the clash in any kind of form having failed to win any of their last five fixtures.

They have conceded 14 goals in those five games, which should give Curacao confidence they can take advantage of their defence.

Curacao are the lower ranked of the two sides—No. 79 compared to Honduras' No. 61—but they arguably will be under less pressure and have the ability to cause some problems on Friday.

Predictions: El Salvador 1-3 Jamaica; Honduras 1-1 Curacao

Gold Cup 2019: Latest Group Results, Tables and Schedule After Thursday

Jun 20, 2019

Teams continued to jockey for position in their tables on Day 6 of the 2019 Gold Cup. 

The four squads from Group B were in action Thursday with a lot on the line Costa Rica and Haiti earned wins in their first matches of the tournament. Bermuda and Nicaragua entered the day with plenty of pressure knowing another misstep could mean elimination.

Check out the latest breakdown from the two matches at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

    

Thursday Schedule/Results

Haiti 2, Nicaragua 0

Costa Rica 2, Bermuda 1

      

Friday Schedule

El Salvador vs. Jamaica, 7 p.m. ET

Honduras vs. Curacao, 9:30 p.m. ET

      

Updated Tables

Group A

1. Mexico: 6 pts, +9 GD

2. Canada: 3 pts, +2 GD

3. Martinique: 3 pts, -1 GD

4. Cuba: 0 pts, -10 GD

                    

Group B

1. Costa Rica: 6 pts, +5 GD

2. Haiti: 6 pts, +3 GD

3. Bermuda: 0 pts, -2 GD

4. Nicaragua: 0 pts, -6 GD

              

Group C

1. Jamaica: 3 pts, +1 GD

2. El Salvador: 3 pts, +1 GD

3. Honduras: 0 pts, -1 GD

4. Curacao: 0 pts, -1 GD

            

Group D

1. United States: 3 pts, +4 GD

2. Panama: 3 pts, +2 GD

3. Trinidad and Tobago: 0 pts, -2 GD

4. Guyana: 0 pts, -4 GD

Full Gold Cup tables and schedules are available on the Gold Cup's official site.

   

Thursday Recap

Haiti 2, Nicaragua 0

Nicaragua had to be disappointed with the result considering all the effort that went into the match.

According to ESPN FC, the team had possession for 70 percent of the match and outshot its opponent 11-9. Nicaragua also earned seven corner kicks and several more chances on set pieces.

However, this led to zero goals as nothing got past Johnny Placide in goal.

Haiti might not have always been in control during the match, but they were the first on the board thanks to this rocket from distance by Steeven Saba:

It took some more luck for the second goal of the match, as Derrick Etienne's deflection off Manuel Rosas led to an own goal for Nicaragua:

The second half didn't leave any more openings for Nicaragua as Haiti was able to play good enough defense to keep the clean sheet.

Both teams will now compete in their final group stage match on Monday. Nicaragua will take on Bermuda while Haiti will face Costa Rica in a contest that could decide a Group B winner. 

        

Costa Rica 2, Bermuda 1

Costa Rica entered the night as a hefty favorite but it was rarely easy for the talented squad.

Bermuda came on hard and looked like the better team for the first part of the match, even if they couldn't get a goal:

The underdogs scored in the second half on a penalty and came dangerously close to getting the equalizer at times over the last half hour.

However, Costa Rica was able to come away with the win thanks to better play in front of the net.

The first goal came off a corner kick, with Mayron George firing home a rebound into the net:

Elias Aguilar scored the second goal when a light defense allowed him to find the bottom right corner:

Although Los Ticos weren't able to replicate their four-goal performance from last game, they had all the offense they needed to come away with three points.

Costa Rica was able to match Haiti with a second win, meaning the team will only need a draw in its head-to-head battle to win the group.

Bermuda will try to close the group stage with a positive result against Nicaragua.

Gold Cup 2019: Odds, TV Schedule, Live Stream, Predictions for Thursday Fixtures

Jun 20, 2019
Costa Rica's player Bryan Oviedo (L) scores a goal during the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2019 football match against Nicaragua, at the National Stadium in San Jose, Costa Rica, on June 16, 2019. (Photo by Ezequiel BECERRA / AFP) (Photo credit should read EZEQUIEL BECERRA/AFP/Getty Images)
Costa Rica's player Bryan Oviedo (L) scores a goal during the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2019 football match against Nicaragua, at the National Stadium in San Jose, Costa Rica, on June 16, 2019. (Photo by Ezequiel BECERRA / AFP) (Photo credit should read EZEQUIEL BECERRA/AFP/Getty Images)

The 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup will continue on Thursday with the second round of matches from Group B.

Nicaragua will kick proceedings off against Haiti at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, before Costa Rica take on Bermuda in the same venue.

                           

Nicaragua vs. Haiti

Date: Thursday, June 20

Time: 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local, 12 a.m. BST Friday)

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 1 (USA)

Live Stream: Premier Player (UK), Fox Sports Go (USA)

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): Nicaragua 9-2, Draw 14-5, Haiti 8-11

Prediction: Nicaragua 1-2 Haiti

                  

Costa Rica vs. Bermuda

Date: Thursday, June 20

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. local, 2:30 a.m. BST Friday)

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 1 (USA)

Live Stream: Premier Player (UK), Fox Sports Go (USA)

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): Costa Rica 1-16, Draw 14-1, Bermuda 60-1

Prediction: Costa Rica 5-0 Bermuda

                

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Thursday Preview

Only the United States and Mexico are ranked higher than Costa Rica at the Gold Cup, so Los Ticos are among the favourites for the tournament.

They affirmed that status with a comfortable 4-0 win over Nicaragua in their opening match, with four different players got on the scoresheet:

Veterans Celso Borges and Bryan Ruiz, who have 122 caps each, played their part. The former netted Costa Rica's second, an emphatic effort from 20 yards, while the latter set up Allan Cruz with a neat backheel. 

The pair are now 31 and 33, respectively, and their experience will prove invaluable to Los Ticos' efforts in the tournament.

Opponents Bermuda, ranked 174th in the world by FIFA, lost 2-1 to Haiti in their opening match.

Costa Rica have already shown they can be clinical in front of goal against a less-fancied team, so another one-sided scoreline seems likely.

Meanwhile, Nicaragua will look to bounce back from their defeat but will face a Haiti side feeling confident after their win over Bermuda.

Frantzdy Pierrot scored twice as Haiti came from behind:

The 24-year-old also netted against reigning Copa America champions Chile in a warm-up game ahead of the Gold Cup, so he's in strong goalscoring form.

Nicaragua have shipped nine goals in their last two matches, so Pierrot could be set to capitalise on their defensive struggles.

Haiti won this fixture 2-0 when the two sides met in the qualifying phase of the CONCACAF Nations League in November, and they have a good chance of coming out on top once again.

Andres Guardado's Brace Leads Mexico Past Canada 3-1 at 2019 Gold Cup

Jun 20, 2019

Mexico sits atop Group A at the 2019 Gold Cup following its 3-1 victory over Canada on Wednesday at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver.

El Tri have six points through two games after handling Cuba with ease in a 7-0 win in their opener before they continued their dominance over Canada at this event. Mexico is 4-1 in its Gold Cup history against the Canadians, with its only loss coming in 2000.

Roberto Alvarado opened the scoring for Mexico, and Andres Guardado—who came on as an injury replacement—scored the second two goals for the victors. Lucas Cavallini was the only one on Canada's team to beat veteran goaltender Guillermo Ochoa.

Mexico wasted little time establishing itself as the better team.

It dictated play in the first half with a commanding 72 percent of possession and 12 shots to Canada's four. It created far more chances and kept play on Canada's side of the field, and it is a credit to Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan that Mexico didn't break through until the 40th minute.

El Tri's first goal fittingly came after Borjan made an excellent diving save to preserve the scoreless tie, and Alvarado buried the rebound with a left-footed shot into the open net.

That it was only 1-0 at the half was a moral victory for Canada considering Mexico scored four goals in the first half of its opening game and just missed a handful of chances Wednesday. The Canadians got an opportunity to earn at least a point with one moment down the stretch.

They almost capitalized on that chance when Alphonso Davies went against two defenders on the left side of the box and unleashed a shot from a challenging angle, but he just missed the back of the net.

The miss proved costly, as Guardado gave El Tri some critical breathing room when he intercepted a pass in open space, took two dribbles and ripped the shot of the match from outside the box.

Borjan never had a chance on the highlight-reel play, although his leaping save on a header off a corner kick a few minutes later kept his team within striking distance and created some temporary drama when Canada scored.

Nestor Araujo turned the ball over in his own territory in a moment of carelessness, and Davies found Cavallini on the break for Canada's breakthrough moment.

The momentum was short-lived, though, as Guardado drilled home his second goal of the game two minutes later.

It should be a sign of things to come for Mexico's team after its two early showings in this tournament. The same Canadians that El Tri just dispatched had no trouble with Martinique, which is next on Mexico's schedule.

While a potential matchup with the rival United States looms in the later stages, the Mexico that was on display through two games in Group A is on the shortest of short lists for teams that can take home the Gold Cup championship.

           

What's Next?

Both teams are in action again Sunday with Canada facing Cuba and Mexico playing Martinique.

Gold Cup 2019: Latest Group Results, Tables and Schedule After Wednesday

Jun 19, 2019
DENVER, CO - JUNE 19: Stephane Abaul #20 of Martinique controls the ball during the Group A match between Cuba and Martinique as part of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on June 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JUNE 19: Stephane Abaul #20 of Martinique controls the ball during the Group A match between Cuba and Martinique as part of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on June 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)

The second round of 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup group action began Wednesday in Denver.

Martinique kicked off the night with a resounding 3-0 victory over Cuba, and Mexico followed with a 3-1 win against Canada.

Mexico, which Oddschecker lists as the even-odds favorite to win the Gold Cup, began its tournament with a resounding 7-0 victory over Cuba. Canada won its opener 4-0 over Martinique.

Mexico now leads Group A with six points. Canada and Martinique each have three, and Cuba has none.

Here's a look at Wednesday's Gold Cup results and recaps, the Thursday schedule and the current tournament table.

             

Wednesday Results

Martinique def. Cuba, 3-0

Mexico def. Canada, 3-1

Full Gold Cup results are available at the tournament's official site.

       

Thursday Schedule

Nicaragua vs. Haiti, 7 p.m. ET (TV: FS1) at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas

Costa Rica vs. Bermuda, 9:30 p.m. ET (TV: FS1) at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas

Full Gold Cup schedule is available at the tournament's official site.

      

Standings

Group A

1. Mexico: 6 pts; +9 GD

2. Canada: 3 pts; +2 GD

3. Martinique: 3 pts; -1 GD

4. Cuba: 0 pts; -10 GD

                    

Group B

1. Costa Rica: 3 pts; +4 GD

2. Haiti: 3 pts; +1 GD

3. Bermuda: 0 pts; -1 GD

4. Nicaragua: 0 pts; -4 GD

              

Group C

1. Jamaica: 3 pts; +1 GD

2. El Salvador: 3 pts; +1 GD

3. Honduras: 0 pts; -1 GD

4. Curacao: 0 pts; -1 GD

            

Group D

1. United States: 3 pts; +4 GD

2. Panama: 3 pts; +2 GD

3. Trinidad and Tobago: 0 pts; -2 GD

4. Guyana: 0 pts; -4 GD

Full Gold Cup table is available on the Gold Cup's official site.

            

Martinique 3, Cuba 0

Joris Marveaux, Stephane Abaul and Kevin Fortune each scored goals as Martinique dominated en route to a 3-0 win over Cuba.

Martinique outshot Cuba 21-7 and put seven shots on goal to Cuba's three.

The goaltenders were initially the story of this match, as Cuba's Sandy Sanchez and Martinique's Loic Chauvet traded sensational first-half saves.

Sanchez stopped two Martinique shots in the 23rd minute:

And Chauvet's quick reaction to a point-blank shot attempt denied Cuba's chance at a 1-0 edge in the 30th minute:

However, a scoreless first half that featured fantastic goaltending ended in surprising fashion when a Marveaux header off a corner kick gave Martinique a 1-0 edge in the 45th minute:

Martinique only continued the pressure in the second half and earned a penalty kick, but Kevin Parsemain's shot was off-target.

That didn't matter, however, as Abaul tacked on an insurance goal off a cross at the 70th minute:

Undeterred from his missed penalty shot, Parsemain then set up Martinique's final tally with a beautiful pass to Fortune, who put home the third goal:

Martinique has given itself a far greater chance to make the Gold Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2002.

           

Mexico 3, Canada 1

Andres Guardado scored two second-half goals and Roberto Alvarado added a 40th-minute strike as Mexico defeated Canada 3-1.

Mexico largely controlled the match, registering 18 shots (six on goal) to Canada's 10 (four on goal). El Tri also controlled possession for 69 percent of the match.

Alvarado was in the right place at the right time in the 40th minute when a Milan Borjan save off a Raul Jimenez shot ricocheted to the striker, who blasted the ball into the net.

Jimenez, who earned a brace in Mexico's first Gold Cup match, nearly scored two other times.

A 20th-minute attempt sailed over the crossbar:

In the dying minutes of the first half, Jimenez once again put forth a threat, but Borjan made a key stop to keep the 1-0 deficit intact.

El Tri registered 12 shots (three on goal) versus Canada's four (two on goal) in the first half. Mexico also controlled possession for 73 percent of the first half and had 310 passes to Canada's 120.

In the second half, Guardado put home Mexico's second goal and his 11th career Gold Cup goal when he fired a laser past Borjan in the 54th minute:

Canada didn't go away quietly and took advantage of a defensive mistake, leading to a Lucas Cavallini goal off a Jonathan David steal and assist:

However, Mexico ramped up the pressure once more thanks to some incredible ball control from Uriel Antuna, who found Guardado for his second score and the final tally of the match:

Mexico has now outscored its Gold Cup opponents, 10-1.

      

What's Next?

The quartet will move to Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina for its final group matches.

Cuba will face Canada at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, and Mexico and Martinique will follow.

Mexico has clinched a spot in the knockout stage. Canada, Martinique and Cuba are still mathematically alive to grab the other Group A knockout spot. However, Cuba would need to beat Canada and win a tiebreaker on goal differential, which currently sits at -10.

Realistically, the final spot will go down to Canada and Martinique, with the former country having a significant advantage thanks to a three-score edge in goal differential in addition to facing a weaker final opponent.

Gold Cup 2019: Odds, TV Schedule, Live Stream, More for Wednesday Fixtures

Jun 19, 2019
PASADENA, CA - JUNE 15: Uriel Atuna #22 of Mexico celebrates his hat trick during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group A match between Mexico and Cuba at the Rose Bowl on June 15, 2019 in Pasadena, California. Mexico won the match 7-0 (Photo: Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JUNE 15: Uriel Atuna #22 of Mexico celebrates his hat trick during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group A match between Mexico and Cuba at the Rose Bowl on June 15, 2019 in Pasadena, California. Mexico won the match 7-0 (Photo: Shaun Clark/Getty Images)

Mexico go in search of their second win at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Wednesday when they take on Canada, while Cuba face Martinique in Group A.

El Tri enjoyed a fine start to the tournament by hammering Cuba 7-0 in their opener and now take on a Canada team that claimed a 4-0 win over Martinique.

Cuba's game with Martinique sees the two teams meet for the first time at the Gold Cup. After opening the group stage with defeats, both sides need a win to keep their hopes of qualification alive.

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Cuba vs. Martinique

Date: Wednesday, June 19

Venue: Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver

Time: 6 p.m. local time, 8 p.m. ET, 1 a.m. BST (Thursday)

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): Cuba 6-1, Draw 14-5, Martinique 1-2

                

Mexico vs. Canada

Date: Wednesday, June 19

Venue: Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver

Time: 8:30 p.m. local time, 10:30 p.m. ET, 3:30 a.m. BST (Thursday)

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): Mexico 1-4, Draw 9-2, Canada 11-1

    

Wednesday Preview

Los Angeles Galaxy winger Uriel Antuna made the headlines for Mexico in their opening game.

The 21-year-old was a late call-up to the squad after injury ruled Jorge Sanchez out, and he went on to bag a hat-trick and an assist:

Manager Gerardo Martino had some words of advice for Antuna after the match, according to ESPN FC's Tom Marshall:

"I'd tell him to not to listen to too much, not to go on social networks, not watch programs [on TV] because we [in the national team] won't be the ones letting this go to his head. His performance was superb for someone who has just recently started [in the national team], it was a good night, that's all."

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez also bagged a brace, and Mexico's emphatic win means Martino has little reason to tinker with his team for the clash against Canada.

Marshall says El Tri are unlikely to make many changes for the game:

The match is likely to decide which team finishes top of Group A, and while Canada can take confidence into the fixture, they will know Mexico represent a big step up from Martinique.

Canada manager John Herdman is aware of the attacking threat Mexico possess and could opt for a conservative approach against El Tri, per Dylan Butler at MLSSoccer.com.

"I think Mexico scores a minimum three goals every game. That's been the trend," he said. "There's a genuine reality check when you come up against a team that's so prolific. And we have to give that some real attention."

Canada will also need to take any chances that come their way if they are to make it two wins from their first two games, but they have an in-form forward in the shape of Jonathan David.

The Gent striker scored twice against Martinique to take his tally to five in six appearances for the national team.

Football writer James Nalton highlighted the 19-year-old's talents:

Both teams have begun the tournament well, but Mexico look a cut above the rest of the teams in the group and have the attacking firepower to win comfortably.

The other Group A fixture sees Martinique and Cuba aiming to recover from heavy defeats when they meet on Wednesday. 

Martinique have just six of their squad playing outside of their domestic league. Seattle Sounders midfielder Jordy Delem, Sporting Gijon defender Jean-Sylvain Babin and Tenerife left-back Samuel Camille are their most well-known players.

The team will look to striker Kevin Parsemain to provide the goals. The 31-year-old was unfortunate not to net against Canada, according to Damian Calhoun at the Daily Breeze:

Cuba are back at the tournament after failing to qualify in 2017 and have reached the quarter-finals three times, most recently in 2015.

Luis Paradela, who plays his club football for Universidad SC in Guatemala, is one to watch for Raul Gonzalez Triana's team.

The 22-year-old has five goals in six appearances for the national side and will be hoping to make a name for himself at the Gold Cup.

Tyler Boyd Scores 2 Goals as USA Men Beat Guyana in 2019 Gold Cup Group Stage

Jun 19, 2019
United States' Paul Arriola (7) celebrates with teammates Gyasi Zardes, left, Tyler Boyd, center and Weston Mckennie, back right, after scoring a goal on Guyana goalie Akel Clarke during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match Tuesday, June 18, 2019, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
United States' Paul Arriola (7) celebrates with teammates Gyasi Zardes, left, Tyler Boyd, center and Weston Mckennie, back right, after scoring a goal on Guyana goalie Akel Clarke during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match Tuesday, June 18, 2019, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)

The United States started its 2019 Gold Cup with a 4-0 win over Guyana on Tuesday night at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Though Paul Arriola scored the first goal in the 28th minute off a pretty through ball by Weston McKennie, the U.S. struggling to capitalize on its possessions in the final third mostly characterized the first half. The final play of the half encapsulated that, with Nick Lima getting off a good cross but Christian Pulisic failing to convert an awkward header before Gyasi Zardes failed to control a playable rebound.

However, the ball started to roll more in the Americans' favor in the second half. Tyler Boyd opened his international account in the 51st minute, and Zardes lucked into a goal when a shot from Arriola deflected off a Guyanese defender into his face and then into the goal.

The second half was an improvement from the first, sure, but beating the tournament's lowest-FIFA-ranked team in its first Gold Cup by four goals is hardly worth celebrating.

That said, this squad differs from what head coach Gregg Berhalter would have fielded if the U.S. was completely healthy. Tyler Adams, John Brooks, DeAndre Yedlin and Duane Holmes are all absent from the Gold Cup because of injury.

In that way, this opener against Guyana can be seen as a tune-up to build team chemistry within an altered roster for the remainder of the tournament. On top of injuries, seven U.S. players are making their Gold Cup debut.

Berhalter, in his first competitive tournament as the U.S. head coach, had another injury scare when McKennie exited the game in the 74th minute while pointing at his hamstring. While it's not encouraging to see a key player go down in the opening game of a tournament, Berhalter said his 20-year-old winger "should be OK" after experiencing "a little bit of a cramp," according to ESPN's Jeff Carlisle. 

McKennie, Arriola and Boyd, who notched a brace in the 81st minute, were the bright spots for the U.S. Pulisic—far and away the best player on the U.S. team—was kept in check before Cristian Roldan replaced him in the 63rd minute.

The U.S. will need big nights from all of them against Trinidad and Tobago, the country responsible for the U.S. missing the 2018 World Cup.

The U.S. will rematch with Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday, and Guyana will take on Panama in Group D play.

Gold Cup 2019: Latest Group Results, Tables and Schedule After Tuesday

Jun 18, 2019
Panama's midfielder Edgar Yoel Barcenas (#10) celebrates his goal with his teammates during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group D match between Panama and Trinidad and Tobago on June 18, 2019 at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Kerem Yucel / AFP) (Photo credit should read KEREM YUCEL/AFP/Getty Images)
Panama's midfielder Edgar Yoel Barcenas (#10) celebrates his goal with his teammates during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group D match between Panama and Trinidad and Tobago on June 18, 2019 at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Kerem Yucel / AFP) (Photo credit should read KEREM YUCEL/AFP/Getty Images)

The United States men's national team is finally ready to take center stage in the 2019 Gold Cup, with the USMNT getting its tournament started against Guyana.

Guyana doesn't present a stiff test to the U.S., but the matchup should allow coach Gregg Berhalter to build some momentum after back-to-back defeats to Jamaica and Venezuela in preparation for the Gold Cup.

Before the United States opposed Guyana at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago opened Group D.

Here's a look at how Tuesday's two matches played out.

        

Tuesday Results

Panama def. Trinidad and Tobago, 2-0

United States def. Guyana, 4-0

      

Wednesday Schedule

Cuba vs. Martinique, 8 p.m. ET (FS1)

Mexico vs. Canada, 10:30 p.m. ET (FS1)

Full Gold Cup schedule is available at the tournament's official site

         

Standings

Group D

1. United States: 3 pts; +4 GD

2. Panama: 3 pts; +2 GD

3. Trinidad and Tobago: 0 pts; -2 GD

4. Guyana: 0 pts; -4 GD

Full group standings are available on the Gold Cup's official site

        

Recap

Panama 2, Trinidad and Tobago 0

Panama outclassed Trinidad and Tobago in a 2-0 victory to jump to the top of Group D.

Panama only had 49 percent of possession but finished with seven shots on target to Trinidad and Tobago's zero.

Trinidad and Tobago's defensive approach wasn't surprising. It sits 92nd in the most recent FIFA ranking and had two wins in eight matches since the start of 2018.

The plan worked through the first half, as Panama went scoreless in the opening 45 minutes. Eight minutes into the second half, though, Panama hit Trinidad and Tobago on the counterattack. Gabriel Torres passed to Armando Cooper in stride, and Cooper eluded goalkeeper Marvin Phillip before sliding the ball into an empty net.

Given how little Trinidad and Tobago generated in possession, that goal was probably enough on its own to seal the victory. Edgar Barcenas eliminated any doubt.

Phillip made a pair of saves but couldn't keep the second rebound away from the Real Oviedo winger. Phillip even got a touch to Barcenas' shot, yet it wasn't enough to keep the ball out of the net.

Given how much the United States is sputtering, Panama has a great chance of walking away with first place in Group D. Beating both Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago could be instrumental in making that happen, so Los Canaleros can check the latter off the list.

         

United States 4, Guyana 0

As expected, the United States rolled over Guyana but weren't perhaps as dominant as they could've been in a 4-0 win.

Tyler Boyd was the star performer, scoring in the 51st and 81st minutes and narrowly missing out on a hat trick late in the second half when he fired a shot into the side netting.

The 24-year-old officially opened his USMNT scoring account with a right-footed shot inside the far post.

Boyd's second was a little more difficult as he created just enough space from Guyana midfielder Elliott Bonos before beating Akel Clarke.

Paul Arriola and Gyasi Zardes also got in on the fun. Arriola delivered the opener in the 28th minute, while Zardes made it a 3-0 game in the 55th minute.

Boyd and Arriola were clear bright spots for the United States, and the USMNT never faced much drama. It was a solid start to the Gold Cup.

Having said that, it's telling about the team's position that supporters are looking for positives in a win against Guyana, a country that sits 177th in the FIFA ranking and has a fraction of the resources available to U.S. Soccer.

A workmanlike victory doesn't inspire a wealth of confidence when the United States is matched up against the best CONCACAF has to offer. Saturday's match against Trinidad and Tobago should continue that trend, leaving the final group-stage fixture against Panama as the true indicator of the USMNT's overall progress.

Gold Cup 2019: Odds, TV Schedule, Live Stream, Predictions for Tuesday Fixtures

Jun 18, 2019

The United States will be expected to make a winning start to the defence of their CONCACAF Gold Cup title when they take on Guyana on Tuesday in Group D.

The other match in the group sees Panama take on Trinidad and Tobago, with the two fixtures taking place at Allianz Field, Minnesota.

Both Panama and Trinidad and Tobago come into the tournament on a poor run of form but will be eyeing an early win to boost their hopes of qualifying for the knockout phase.  

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Panama vs. Trinidad and Tobago

Date: Tuesday, June 18

Time: 6:30 p.m. local time, 7:30 p.m. ET, 12:30 a.m. BST (Wednesday)

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): Panama 1-1, Trinidad and Tobago 3-1, Draw 11-5

Prediction: Panama 2-1 Trinidad and Tobago

             

USA vs. Guyana

Date: Tuesday, June 18

Time: 9 p.m. local time, 10 p.m. ET, 3 a.m. (Wednesday) BST

TV Info: FreeSports (UK), Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): USA 1-50, Guyana 50-1, Draw 14-1

Prediction: USA 3-0 Guyana

        

Tuesday Preview

The United States will aim to shrug off some indifferent pre-tournament form in their opener against a Guyana team that are making their first appearance at the Gold Cup.

Gregg Berhalter's side warmed up for the tournament with defeats to Jamaica and Venezuela and failed to score in either match.

Despite his team's disappointing performances, the head coach still expects his team to retain their title:

The latest defeats mean the United States have not tasted victory since March, but they will expected to win comfortably against minnows Guyana.

Berhalter will be without John Brooks, DeAndre Yedlin, Duane Holmes and Tyler Adams due to injury, and the focus will be on new Chelsea signing Christian Pulisic to inspire the team to victory.

The 20-year-old finished last season with Borussia Dortmund in good form and will need to be at his best if the USA are to go all the way:

Little will be expected of Guyana at the Gold Cup, as many of their 23-man squad play in the lower leagues of English football or in non-league football:

Their most famous player is Philadelphia Union midfielder Warren Creavalle, but he has been ruled out of the tournament with a broken foot:

Head coach Michael Johnson is a former Jamaica international who enjoyed spells in England with Notts County, Derby County and Birmingham City before heading into management.

Yet even he says he knew little about his players before taking the job:

The game represents the perfect chance for the United States to get their campaign off to a strong start, and anything other than a big win will be viewed as a major disappointment.

Panama are also being backed for victory by the oddsmakers in their game against Trinidad and Tobago. Los Canaleros finished third at the tournament in 2015 and were runners-up in 2013.

Seattle Sounders veteran Roman Torres is one of five MLS players in their squad. San Jose Earthquakes duo Harold Cummings and Anibal Godoy, Montreal Impact striker Omar Browne and New York Red Bulls full-back Michael Murillo also made the cut.

Yet Panama were beaten 3-0 by Colombia and Uruguay in the buildup to the Gold Cup and are on a run of 14 games without a win heading into the tournament.

Their winless run may inspire a Trinidad and Tobago squad that are back at the Gold Cup after missing out in 2017.

The team's star man is Joevin Jones, who has just returned to Seattle Sounders from German club Darmstadt 98:

The USA will be expected to clinch top spot in the group, so this fixture represents a chance for both Panama and Trinidad and Tobago to stake a claim for the runners-up spot.

There does not look to be too much between the two teams, but Panama's recent good record at the Gold Cup may just give them the edge.

Mexico vs. Canada: Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule for 2019 Gold Cup

Jun 18, 2019
PASADENA, CA - JUNE 15: Uriel Atuna #22 of Mexico celebrates his hat trick during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group A match between Mexico and Cuba at the Rose Bowl on June 15, 2019 in Pasadena, California. Mexico won the match 7-0 (Photo: Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JUNE 15: Uriel Atuna #22 of Mexico celebrates his hat trick during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group A match between Mexico and Cuba at the Rose Bowl on June 15, 2019 in Pasadena, California. Mexico won the match 7-0 (Photo: Shaun Clark/Getty Images)

Mexico and Canada will face off for supremacy in Group A at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Wednesday at the Mile High Stadium in Denver.

The two sides are a cut above their opponents in the group, Martinique and Cuba.

Canada eased to a 4-0 win over the former in their first match, while Mexico thrashed the latter 7-0.

                               

Date: Wednesday, June 19

Time: 10:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. local, 3:30 a.m. BST Thursday)

TV: Fox Sports 1 (USA), FreeSports (UK)

Live Stream: Fox Sports GO (USA), Premier Player (UK)

Odds: Mexico (3-13), Draw (11-2), Canada (14-1)

Odds courtesy of Oddschecker.

                 

Mexico are without the likes of Javier Hernandez, Carlos Vela and Hirving Lozano from their attacking options at this year's tournament, but that didn't stop them running riot against Cuba on Saturday.

Uriel Antuna scored his first three senior goals for El Tri, while Raul Jimenez netted a brace. Diego Reyes and Alexis Vega also got on the scoresheet (U.S. only):

Football writer Cesar Hernandez was impressed with Mexico's performance:

Canada were similarly strong, if not quite as clinical.

Jonathan David, 19, scored either side of half-time before Junior Hoilett and Scott Arfield each found the net.

Les Rouges could meet Mexico for a second time in the tournament if both teams reach the semi-finals, and manager John Herdman said he has a "plan in mind" ahead of Wednesday's meeting, per MLS Soccer's Scott French.

"We'll probably see the Mexicans, if it goes to plan, late in the tournament," he said. "So how much we want to show them in this first game is also something to keep consideration."

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Canada have not beaten Mexico since the quarter-finals of the 2000 Gold Cup, on their way to winning the tournament.

El Tri have scored 20 goals in five matches since manager Gerardo Martino took charge, so despite missing several important players, their attack might be too much for Canada to handle.

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