HOUSTON — Jozy Altidore’s Gold Cup is over.
The US Soccer Federation revealed Wednesday afternoon that Altidore will miss four to six weeks with a left hamstring strain, ending what was a promising tournament run for the Americans’ top striker.
Altidore went down with the injury early in the team’s quarterfinal match against Jamaica on Sunday and was replaced in the 12th minute by Juan Agudelo. Per Gold Cup regulations, the US will not be able to replace the striker on their 23-man roster.
The US meet Panama in the semifinals at Reliant Stadium on Wednesday (7 pm ET, Fox Soccer, Univisión).
Altidore scored two of the team's four goals during the group stage, including a blast from distance that helped the US top Guadeloupe 1-0 and lift them into the quarterfinals.
He’ll likely be replaced in the team’s 4-2-3-1 formation by Agudelo, who logged an assist in the quarterfinal win over Jamaica. San Jose Earthquakes playmaker Chris Wondolowski is also an option.
Whether it's Agudelo or Wondolowski, Bradley has provided clear indications as to what exactly he expects from Altidore's replacement.
“In the game these days all forwards need to understand when, on their own, their ability to hold the ball and move along the line and cause trouble is part of the job,” Bradley said. “Juan, for a young player, likes to come underneath and likes to drift. We think that’s fine but he’s got to be available up high when the ball’s going there.
“Chris moves well on the field … if it’s a game like the [one against Jamaica], Chris’ timing and his movement will help the team a great deal.”
Darrell Lovell is a Houston-based beat writer for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.
