Bruce Arena announced his 23-man roster for the 2017 Gold Cup this Sunday, June 25. Among the 23 players were four Liga MX players that rightfully deserved the call for the Gold Cup Competition.
Paul Arriola
Arriola had a respectable Clausura 2017 campaign with Club Tijuana scoring two goals and getting two assists in 13 games as a starter. The winger by trait is a very versatile player who can play as a right-winger, right-midfielder, right-wing-back and even as a right-back. His offensive capabilities are very present with his speed being among his best traits. Arriola’s defensive abilities still need some work but he is a player that will try and give 100-percent effort in each encounter.
Joe Corona
Corona was one of the more underrated players in the Liga MX this past season being a key piece to Miguel Herrera’s Xolos in the midfield. The 26-year-old is more of an offensive-minded midfielder whose best quality is his distribution of the sphere. The San Diego native did show his defensive qualities towards the end of the season in the playoffs and he does have potential to be a key piece to Bruce Arena’s side in the Gold Cup.
Omar Gonzalez
The American centre-back has become one of the more formidable defenders in the Liga MX with Pachuca. Standing in at 6-foot-5 the former LA Galaxy man will be one of Bruce Arena’s most reliable options in the back line and should prove to be a force against most CONCACAF teams.
Jorge Villafana
The Santos Laguna full-back received his first call to the national team earlier in the year in a friendly match against Serbia on January 29 in San Diego. Since then Bruce Arena has built trust in Villafana and he is a very reliable choice for the left-back slot. Villafana has speed down the wings and much like Paul Arriola is a player who will run up and down the pitch for the entire 90 minutes. Despite, not receiving much game time with Santos Laguna last tournament, the California native should prove to be a consistent starter for Bruce Arena in this competition.
