UNITED STATES - The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) will begin their participation in the 2013 CONCACF Gold Cup on Tuesday against Belize. Like most teams participating in the Gold Cup who are still fighting a World Cup sport in the CONCACAF Hexagonal they have decided to let some of their biggest stars resting. Players like Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore will not participate in this tournament.

USMNT head coach Jurgan Klinsmann will be looking for other players to step up and lead this team to another Gold Cup championship, players like Tijuana Xolos' Herculez Gomez, Joe Corona, and Edgar Castillo as well as returning USMNT hero Landon Donovan.

Klinsmann mentioned it during the team's stay in San Diego last week, "This is all about a World Cup spot, they have to show me they deserve to be on the World Cup roster"

With Altidore and Dempsey's absences Herculez Gomez and Landon Donovan will most likely be heading up the attack for the USMNT in this Gold Cup. Edgar Castillo along with newly announced team captain DaMarcus Beasley are the likely choises to cover the entire left wing as both can defend and contribute to the attack. And Joe Corona will probably see significant minutes in this Gold Cup to show his creativity in midfield.

All three Tijuana Xolos players were in the USMNT starting lineup during the team's only tune up game last Friday against Guatemala in Qualcomm Stadium. That was Joe Corona's first ever start for the senior team of the USMNT. Herculez Gomez got the first of six goals and set up the play in which Landon Donovan was brought down in the box producing a penalty kick. Edgar Castillo also had a good game incorporating into the attacking side of the field frequently and having a good chemistry with DaMarcus Beasley. All three Tijuana Xolos players were subbed out after 60 minutes of play in order to give Klinsmann an opportunity to see other players in action.

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jonny.rico@sandiegored.com (@jonyrico)