Next summer just got even more interesting for Sporting KC, as now it would appear that at least 3 players will be representing their national team this summer at the Gold Cup. Shavar Thomas (Jamaica) and Craig Rocastle (Grenada) have already qualified for the 2011 Gold Cup and tonight with their win over Antigua and Barbuda and Jamaica's win over Guyana, Stephane Auvray and Guadeloupe have also qualified for the Gold Cup. If that's not enough, Roger Espinoza and Honduras could possibly be in the tournament as well provided they finish in the top 5 in this January's UNCAF Nation's Cup. Add in the potential of Teal Bunbury playing for the US or a bit of a surprise call up for Omar Bravo, and KC could possibly be without half their starters for league play while the Gold Cup is going on. It certainly doesn't sound like a good way to open the new stadium with so many starters potentially missing time.
Guadeloupe needed the win tonight and pulled out a narrow 1-0 win over Antigua and Barbuda on a first half goal from Jean Luc Lamboude. They were able to hang on for the win as Auvray went the full 90 as captain for . They were then forced to sit and wait on the second result. Jamaica though took care of business early, scoring in the second minute and not turning back as they won 4-0. Shavar Thomas didn't play for the Reggae Boyz tonight as they rested a few players in the game.
The semifinals on Friday will see Auvray and Guadeloupe first take on Cuba and in the second game, Thomas and Jamaica will take on Rocastle and Grenada.
It's actually good if the Wizards have guys playing in different tournaments. It gives other players a chance to step up and prove themselves - everyone gets more playing time and the fans get to see more players.
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