Jozy Altidore would be a welcome addition to the U.S. national team in the Gold Cup knockout round. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)
The United States national team will be adding some sorely needed leadership and experience in the CONCACAF Gold Cup very soon.
Assuming the United States gets a result against Nicaragua in its third and final Group B match in Cleveland Saturday, the Americans are expected to get a big boost for the knockout rounds.
Reports said that U.S. captain and midfielder Michael Bradley and forward Jozy Altidore, who both play for Toronto FC, will play for the Red, White and Blue.
Sportsnet’s John Molinaro tweeted Friday that Toronto FC coach Greg Vanny confirmed that both players were with the U.S. team and would remain with it until end of its Gold Cup run.
Goal.com confirmed the original report with sources saying the players had joined the squad.
The U.S. side, composed of players trying to impress head coach Bruce Arena for a spot on the World Cup qualifying roster and beyond, assuming the Americans reach Russia 2018.
The Americans have looked rather ordinary in their opening two matches of the competition. They tied Panama in their opener, 1-1, in Nashville, Tenn. last Saturday and squandered a two-goal lead against Martinique before securing a late goal and a 3-2 victory in Tampa, Fla. Wednesday.