Downs Should Start Against Guatemala

Forward Converted Winning Penalty, Deserves His Shot in the Semifinal

Damion Downs' clutch penalty conversion against Costa Rica may have lasted only seconds. Still, it revealed the composure and killer instinct that should earn the 20-year-old striker a starting role in Wednesday's Gold Cup semifinal against Guatemala.

The FC Köln forward entered the match in the 78th minute with the USMNT trailing momentum, but immediately injected pace and directness into the attack. His darting run in the 86th minute showcased the electric speed that helped him score 13 goals in 42 appearances for Köln, including 10 goals and five assists during their title-winning campaign in Germany's second division.

While Downs couldn't convert that promising chance—likely due to nerves from the inexperienced forward—his movement and positioning demonstrated exactly what the USMNT has been missing in the final third. In just 12 minutes of action, he registered a shot attempt and showed the physical presence at 6'3" that can trouble any defense.

The defining moment came in the penalty shootout's climactic sixth round. With immense pressure and the tournament hanging in the balance, Downs stepped up and buried his spot kick with conviction into the bottom left corner. That confidence under pressure speaks to a striker's mentality that can't be taught. Southampton's reported €8 million bid for Downs this summer underscores his rising stock in European football. His goal-scoring rate of one every 164 minutes at club level, combined with his physical attributes and clinical finishing ability, makes him a natural fit for CONCACAF's physical style of play.

Against Guatemala, the USMNT needs a focal point who can hold up play, create space for others, and most importantly, finish chances. Downs' brief cameo against Costa Rica suggested he possesses all these qualities. Coach Mauricio Pochettino should reward his penalty heroics and tournament-saving moment with a starting opportunity, allowing the young striker to build on his breakthrough performance and potentially become the tournament's breakout star.