The Gold Cup kicks off Tuesday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, and here are some players to watch as Group A battles it out:
5. Jeff Louis (Haiti)
Louis has spent a majority of his career in Haiti and France with AS Mirebalais, Le Mans, and AS Nancy. After being linked with Scottish powerhouse Celtic, he made his move to Standard Liege (Belgium) in 2014, making 35 appearances for the club. Louis has only scored three goals with Standard Liege and two goals in 20 appearances with Haiti since 2011. He creates chances for his teammates more often than taking shots. At only 22-years-old, the attacking center midfielder is young, but experienced. The Panama defense will have their hands full on Tuesday night.
4. Blas Perez (Panama)
Perez is well-known in MLS and in DFW. Around MLS, he's known as a villain. Around DFW, he's known as a hero. Perez started off the season on fire with FC Dallas, scoring three goals in his first two games. He's since cooled down, but playing at Toyota Stadium will give El Raton an added boost against Haiti. The 34-year-old forward has scored 37 goals in 93 appearances for the Panamanian national team. He's most certainly a hero for Panama. The Panamanians will go as far as Perez allows them in the Gold Cup.
3. Fabian Johnson (USA)
Johnson was arguably the best player for the United States at last year's World Cup in Brazil. He can play both positions at fullback, and both outside midfield positions as well. His versatility is key for Jurgen Klinsmann and the Americans. The U.S. will take on Honduras at Toyota Stadium and will need the German-born Borussia Monchengladbach player's consistency.
2. Andy Najar (Honduras)
The 22-year-old Honduran played three seasons with D.C. United and took MLS by storm, winning MLS Rookie of the Year in 2010. After catching the eye of bigger clubs in Europe, Najar made the move to Anderlecht (Belgium) in 2013. He's now established himself as one of Anderlecht's key players. After his performance in the Champions League against Arsenal, he caught even more eyes of bigger clubs and could be on the move again. Honduras will need Najar's creativity to be gushing out to defeat a U.S. side coming off two big wins in Europe against Netherlands and Germany.
1. Clint Dempsey (USA)
Dempsey is no longer the captain of the USMNT. Michael Bradley has taken the torch and isn't giving it back but Dempsey is the number one player to watch Tuesday, and in the entire Gold Cup. He provides the edge and creativity the U.S. needs to beat teams like Costa Rica and Mexico. The Texas native will be out to prove himself in his home state.
