By James K. Attaglo Wilson| info@sports24ghana.com
As part its final tune-up ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the United State of America will come face-to-face with three-time FIFA World Cup foe – Black Stars of Ghana on Sunday, July 02, 2017 at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium in a special friendly international game.
Sunday’s friendly marks the first time the USA and Ghana have met outside the FIFA World Cup. The two nations have become well acquainted after meeting at each of the last three tournaments, with each match serving up memorable moments and the same 2-1 score line.
In 2006, the USA faced Ghana in its final Group Stage match and pulled level thanks to Clint Dempsey’s 43rd minute equalizer only for Ghana to equalize again, but this time through the spot at the close of the first half.
Four years later in South Africa, the U.S. met Ghana in the Round of 16 and saw Landon Donovan’s 62nd minute penalty kick force extra time only to have Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan tally the game-winner in Rustenberg.
Meanwhile, the United State of America laughed last when the two sides met in the opening match of the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup, where the US won 2-1 courtesy Clint Dempsey [1st minute] and Graham Zusi [86th minute]. Andre Ayew pulled one for Ghana in the 82nd minute.
Below is the US final roster ahead of Ghana’s clash;
GOALKEEPERS
Brad Guzan [Atlanta United FC], Bill Hamid [D.C. United], Sean Johnson [New York City FC].
DEFENDERS
Matt Besler [Sporting Kansas City], Omar Gonzalez [Pachuca], Matt Hedges [FC Dallas], Eric Lichaj [Nottingham Forest], Matt Miazga [Chelsea], Justin Morrow [Toronto FC], Jorge Villafaña [Santos Laguna], Graham Zusi [Sporting Kansas City].
MIDFIELDERS
Kellyn Acosta [FC Dallas], Paul Arriola [Club Tijuana], Alejandro Bedoya [Philadelphia Union], Joe Corona [Club Tijuana], Dax McCarty [Chicago Fire], Cristian Roldan [Seattle Sounders FC], Kelyn Rowe [New England Revolution], Kenny Saief [Gent], Gyasi Zardes [LA Galaxy].
FORWARDS
Juan Agudelo [New England Revolution], Dom Dwyer [Sporting Kansas City], Jordan Morris [Seattle Sounders FC].
Source: ussoccer.com
