U.S to open Copa America against Argentina

[Zeppo]

U.S to open Copa America against Argentina

The United States will open the Copa America on June 28 against Argentina.



CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- The United States will open the Copa America on June 28 against Argentina.

The U.S. Soccer Federation announced Tuesday night that the Americans were placed into a group with the Argentines for the first round of the 12-nation tournament, the championship of South America. The U.S. team and Mexico are invited guests.

Mexico will play Brazil on June 27, the USSF said. Venezuela, the host country, plays the tournament opener against Bolivia on June 26.

The remainder of the first round will be determined during Wednesday's draw. The tournament will be played in nine Venezuelan cites and concludes July 15.

[Bricktop]

RE: U.S to open Copa America against Argentina

Nothing like a good ass whooping from the ARGENTINES to open up your tournament.

[Zeppo]

RE: U.S to open Copa America against Argentina

That's what people were saying before we played them in the 1995 Copa America, too.

[Zeppo]

RE: U.S to open Copa America against Argentina

U.S. likely to send "B" team to Copa America



For those wishing to see the U.S. men's national team in more high-pressure games, they got what they hoped for on Wednesday as the draw for this summer's Copa America was announced in Venezuela. The Americans were drawn into Group C, which contains Argentina, Paraguay and Colombia, three teams that should provide the U.S. with a stern test. Unfortunately, a crowded summer calendar will likely prevent America's best players from reaping the benefits of this competition.



To be fair, the U.S. Soccer Federation and U.S. interim head coach Bob Bradley are facing a logistical nightmare. The Gold Cup will run from June 6-24, while the Americans' first match in Copa America against Argentina will take place on June 28 in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Given that club coaches in both MLS and in Europe will be reluctant to have their players participate in both tournaments, it seems likely that a different squad -- with a few exceptions -- will be used in each competition. Faced with that reality, Bradley made it clear on Wednesday where he would place his priorities.



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