Allstate and the Concacaf Gold Cup are an incredible pairing, one that promotes the sport of soccer in the U.S. and the entire region. Soccer legends Tony Meola and Moisés Muñoz have made that pairing even stronger, traveling the country to promote the the insurance giant’s support of the beautiful game.
Both superstars have enjoyed being involved with Allstate’s Day of Play initiative, something that Meola describes as an opportunity to “get into communities and give back.” That opportunity includes once-in-a-lifetime experience to play soccer with a national team legend, get photos with the actual Gold Cup, and come away with some great memories (and a new soccer ball too).
Chicago is the home of the Concacaf Gold Cup final and also the latest Day for Play. Meola noted that it was the first time that he and Muñoz were together and it is quite fitting considered the U.S. vs. Mexico rivalry that will be on display. This is a massive moment for all involved with the U.S. Men’s National Team.
“Since we didn’t qualify for the World Cup, we must look at every tournament as a must-win,” Meola said. “We dob’t have the luxury to pick and choose.”
Meola predicts a U.S. victory for a number of reasons. First, he believes that the U.S. is coming off their best game, a win over Jamaica, a team that has caused problems in the past. Second, he sees the USMNT as a team that has grown into the tournament, a team that has gotten better as the tournament progressed.
Even though he believes that the U.S. will win, Meola admits that this can be an unpredictable match-up since it is tied to such a massive rivalry. Anything can happen.
The U.S. will count on the contributions of Christian Pulisic, Gyasi Zardes, and Jozy Altidore. Meola has been impressed with Pulisic, saying that he has “taken the team on his shoulders” and has proven to be “what fans have been waiting for.” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter does have a difficult choice on his hands between Zardes and Altidore. Both bring something unique to the table. Berhalter and Zardes have familiarity on their side due to their time with Columbus Crew SC, while Altidore has loads of experience (and goals) at the national team level.
Meola sees Andres Guardado and Raúl Jiménez as the players to watch for with Mexico. Guardado has been Mexico’s talisman for years, while Jiménez brings massive club experience with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Benfica, Atlético Madrid, and Club América.
Regardless of what happens today, it’s clear that great accomplishments have already been made in this tourney. Meola pointed out the impressive runs made by Haiti and Curacao.
“The level of play has grown,” Meola noted. “But we have to continue to grow.”
The Gold Cup, paired with the success of events like the Concacaf Nations League, have done great things in what Meola calls “one of the world’s last untapped regions. ” And we all have to Allstate to thank for their part in the game’s growth. Their unbelievable commitment to the world’s favorite game has made all the difference.
