USA vs. Ghana: 1-3
Recent History: The Americans have played Ghana in the last three World Cups, winning the last appearance 2-1 to open group play in 2014 in Brazil. Ghana eliminated the United States in 2006 and 2010. In 2010, Ghana scored in extra time to beat the Americans 2-1 in the round of 16.
Ghana World Cup Roundup: After losses to Ghana in Germany and South Africa, the U.S. started strong against the Blacks Stars in the first game of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Clint Dempsey scored the quickest goal in World Cup history for the Americans, scoring off a pass from Jermaine Jones 30 seconds into the game. Ghana got a goal with eight minutes left in regulation, but two minutes later John Brooks finished off a corner from Graham Zusi to give the lead back to the Americans. … Ghana scored 16 minutes into the round of 16 game in South Africa, but the U.S. fought back in the second half and tied it 1-1 when Landon Donovan converted a penalty kick with about 38 minutes left. The U.S. had several chances to take the lead, including shots from Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore. Asamoah Gyan scored early into extra time to give Ghana the lead. … With both teams needing a result to move on in the World Cup in Germany in 2006, Ghana scored about halfway through the first half to take control of the game early. But the lead was short lived with Dempsey scoring three minutes later on a cross from DaMarcus Beasley. Ghana was later awarded a questionable penalty kick at the end of the first half and Stephen Appiah converted the kick to give back the Black Stars the lead for good.
Gold Cup Schedule: Panama on July 8 (Nashville); Martinique on July 12 (Tampa Bay, Fla.); Nicaragua on July 15 (Cleveland).
Gold Cup Roster: The lineup will be different for the Americans on Saturday. On Sunday, Bruce Arena announced the final 23-player roster for the tournament, and it is missing some of the team's biggest names, which played in a 1-1 tie with Mexico earlier this month. Forwards Jordan Morris, Dom Dwyer and Juan Agudelo will lead the way up top. Kelyn Rowe, Joe Corona, Alejandro Bedoya, Kellyn Acosta and Gyasi Zardes are part of the midfield and Graham Zusi, Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez and Eric Lichaji will be part of the defense. Brad Guzan figures to be the starting goalie.
Miscellaneous: U.S. soccer officials said about 23,000 tickets have already been sold for the game and sales have been going well the last couple of weeks.