why the USMNT would not participate in Copa America but can't wait for the silly Gold Cup is beyond me!
So why is Costa Rica and Mexico (direct USA rivals) participating. The competition at the Copa America level would be so much better for the US!
US thought they'd be in the Olympics. They're not, and now that decision looks a little more foolish. But you can't forget that WCQ and more importantly, MLS is going on during the summer. Those were two other reasons for not accepting the offer.
Bruce Arena cited MLS as the primary reason. Mexican league won't be playing during Copa America, and I have no idea what the Costa Rican league does. IMO we should be having the Gold Cup this year anyway (to be like all those other continents), and then this wouldn't be an issue.