The U.S. Men's Soccer Team is looking to capture its sixth Gold Cup. And they have the man in place to help do that - someone who has led them to two titles in 2002 and 2005.  

"There is a lot to look forward to and certainly a little bit different because we're in a tough time period where we have got to be successful," said U.S. men's soccer coach Bruce Arena, who previously coached the U.S. team between 1998-2006.   

In Bruce Arena's first go-around as head coach with the U.S., he never had the chance to coach in Tampa Bay. The good news for him: The team has a history of winning in this area.

The U.S. Men have played a total of seven times in Tampa Bay. That includes matches at both old Tampa Stadium  and Ray Jay. And it's the place that the Bucs, where the US has won 3 matches. 

 

U.S. Men’s National Team Record in Tampa Bay

1985: 1-1, Finland* (Friendly)

1990: 2-1, Finland* (Friendly)

1995: 1-2, Costa Rica* (Friendly)

2007: 3-1, Ecuador** (Friendly)

2010: 2-1, El Salvador ** (Friendly)

2011: 1-2, Panama** (Gold Cup: Group Stage)

2012: 3-1, Antigua and Barbuda** (World Cup Qualifier)

*Tampa Stadium

**Raymond James Stadium

Tampa Bay Record: 4 W, 1 D, 2 L (3 W – 0 D – 1 L at Ray Jay)

 

"I'm hoping it's a good home field advantage for us," said Arena with a big grin. "I know the community of Tampa will support the U.S. Team and we are really excited about being here." 

While so many U.S. Soccer fans are focused on the summer of 2018, Bruce Arena insists that this game being played here in Raymond James Stadium, in July, is crucial to the U.S team's success on the international stage.

"The Gold Cup, we always want to win our Confederation's championship and this is going to be very important," said Arena.

Yes, the summer of 2018 is far more important to the US and it's fans. But as Bruce Arena put it - the Gold Cup is the perfect time to try and ramp up qualification for the road to the World Cup.

That road now includes Tampa Bay.

U.S. Soccer Gold Cup Match Information

Date: July 12, 2017

Time: 9:00 p.m. ET

Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa.

Opponent: Martinique

Competition: Gold Cup Group Stage, Group B