US names roster for Gold Cup title defense

Fresh off a disappointing showing at the Confederations Cup, the United States announced a similar 25-man roster for a title defense in the Gold Cup football tournament that opens July 12.

The Americans managed only one goal in three matches at the tournament in France, losing 2-1 to Turkey, 1-0 to Brazil and drawing 0-0 with Cameroon.

Despite updated FIFA rankings that for the first time in their 10-year history rank the US squad as North America's finest, the proof will be shown on the field and Gold Cup co-host Mexico will be ready to reclaim their top spot.

US coach Bruce Arena named 10 players from the 2002 Gold Cup title squad, including tournament leading scorer Brian McBride and goalkeeper Kasey Keller of Tottenham Hotspur, who blanked four foes in five games two years ago.

Other England-based players include midfielders Eddie Lewis of Preston North End and Claudio Reyna of Sunderland. Also in the lineup is defender Greg Vanney of French side Bastia.

San Jose Earthquakes forward Landon Donovan, the top US scorer this year, joins MetroStars striker Clint Mathis as other top scoring threats.

"Ultimately we are trying to develop a squad capable of competing in World Cup qualifying, and to be able to compete against teams from our region in this type of environment is invaluable," Arena said.

The US squad begins Group C play July 12 against El Salvador and continues two days later against Martinique, hosting both in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

Group D, also in Foxboro, features Cuba, Canada and Costa Rica.

Group B in Miami features Jamaica, Guatemala and Colombia while Group A in Mexico City features Mexico, Honduras and world champions Brazil.

The semi-finals will be staged July 23 in Miami and July 24 in Mexico City, which will host the final July 27.