HARRISON, New Jersey – With the start of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup three weeks away, a 3-0 loss to Ecuador in an international friendly on Tuesday has given El Salvador head coach Eduardo Lara a lot to consider.
Since earning a third-place finish in January’s Copa Centroamericana, the Cuscatlecos have gone winless in three straight matches.
Lara is looking to take a squad to the United States that can handle the rigors of playing three group games in eight days.
“The player that we find to be in form is going to be welcome,” said the 57-year-old Colombian. “Conversely, one that isn’t, it is going to be difficult to have him in the national team. What’s left is to continue working.
“We want to give room to the player that is in shape. There are a lot that are playing in their clubs and in other leagues, but their shortcomings are noted against a stronger rival and I cannot lie about that.”
In addition, Lara is cognizant of the fact that El Salvador will face difficult Gold Cup opposition in Group C, with defending champion Mexico (July 9) and 2015 runner-up Jamaica (July 16) on the schedule.
“Here, we are going have one at the level to face what is coming,” he finished. “We are going to have in Gold Cup rivals like Mexico and Jamaica, which are very strong teams.”
In nine all-time Gold Cup appearances, the Salvadorans have never advanced past the quarterfinals.
