I’ll tell you something for nothing: it’s the perfect time to live in the United States if you love soccer. The US national team almost pulled off the impossible at the Confederations Cup, we’re right into the meat of the 2009 MLS Cup, and the CONCACAF Gold Cup starts tomorrow. What more could a football fan possibly ask for?

While plenty of the USA squad that competed in South Africa last month won’t be taking part in the Gold Cup, there is still a lot to be excited about in the lead up to day one tomorrow. The United States team might be young and short on international experience, but they are definitely not lacking in skill. The prodigious Freddy Adu will be aching for a chance to earn a few more caps after the only major role he played at the Confederations Cup was warming the bench.

While the majority of its players are youngsters, the USA has wisely bolstered its line-up with a handful of veterans in the form of Steve Cherundolo, Jimmy Conrad, and Brian Ching. All of whom will be hoping for a repeat of 2007’s Gold Cup victory.

On the other end of the spectrum sits Mexico, who must still be reeling from its controversial loss to the United States in 07. The Mexicans have also selected a younger squad, however it is far more experienced than the US team, and boasted EPL exports Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela. Don’t be surprised if these two nations are matched up at the end of the competition again.

BetUS has updated odds on every match, and you can bet on the handicap and moneyline, as well as the total.

Canada
Handicap: pk +105; Moneyline: +180
Draw
Moneyline: +225
Jamaica
Handicap: pk -135; Moneyline: +130

Costa Rica
Handicap: -1 -135; Moneyline: -250
Draw
Moneyline: +300
El Salvador
Handicap: +1 +105; Moneyline: +550

Honduras
Handicap: -1½ +105; Moneyline: -500
Draw
Moneyline: +400
Haiti
Handicap: +1½ -135; Moneyline: -1000

Grenada
Handicap: +2½ Ev; Moneyline: +1400
Draw
Moneyline: +600
USA
Handicap: -2½ -130; Moneyline: -1000

Panama
Handicap: -½ -135; Moneyline: -135
Draw
Moneyline: +230
Guadeloupe
Handicap: +½ +105; Moneyline: +325

Nicaragua
Handicap: +2½ +135; Moneyline: +1600
Draw
Moneyline: +600
Mexico
Handicap: -2½ -165; Moneyline: -1000

Dr’s Note: My surprise pick for the tournament is Honduras. They’ve been given a fairly easy qualification task, with the United States being the only real challenge in the group stage. The Hondurans have been here before, finishing 3rd in 2005 and quarterfinalists in 07; with players like Tottenham’s William Palacios and Wigan Athletic’s Maynor Figueroa, it will be a tough task for any team to defeat them.