It may be two years away, but Clint Dempsey is already excited for the 2016 Copa America. The tournament is normally held in South America, pitting the best teams from the continent against one another, but in 2016 the United States will play host. And Dempsey thinks they should push for the win.
Speaking to ESPN FC about the United States’ chances in the tournament, Dempsey said, “It will be difficult but at the same time, anything is possible. On home soil, you want to make it count.”
The forward also mentioned that the competition will be an excellent opportunity to continue to grow soccer in the United States. Along with the 10 members of South American confederation CONMEBOL, there will be six other countries participating. The U.S. and Mexico have both been invited. The 2014 Caribbean Cup winner will join them, as will the winner of the Copa Centroamericana, another competition the United States plays host to, this September. The final two CONCACAF participants will be awarded a place after the 2015 Gold Cup.
Getting to see some of the best teams, and players, from the Western Hemisphere should continue to raise enthusiasm for soccer in the United States. Having a successful team could send that enthusiasm through the roof. And Dempsey promises the USMNT will push themselves, putting their best on display:
