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Tampa Bay’s Raiko Arozarena helps Cuba earn Gold Cup berth

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 03/29/23, 12:43PM EDT

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First shutout for country earns promotion from Concacaf Nations League B, among Championship notables during international window


The Tampa Bay Rowdies' Raiko Arozarena notched his first shutout for Cuba to help the country earn an automatic place in the group stage of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup in a 1-0 win against Guadeloupe on Sunday. | Photo courtesy Matt May / Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Tampa Bay Rowdies’ Raiko Arozarena got an early birthday treat on Sunday evening as his first shutout for the Cuba Men’s National Team sealed the country’s place at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, and promotion into Concacaf Nations League A for the 2023-24 edition of the event.

Currently in his third season with the Rowdies, the 26-year-old goalkeeper posted a two-save shutout for Cuba in its 1-0 victory against Guadeloupe, which featured Sacramento Republic FC forward Luther Archimede in its starting lineup. Arozarena made a key late save to preserve the win, keeping out a good effort from Matthias Phaeton as he marked his third senior appearance with a clean sheet.

As League B group winners, Cuba will now enter the Gold Cup in the group stage, and will have a chance to qualify for the 2024 Copa America to be held in the United States next summer through Concacaf Nations League A. The next edition of the CNL will kick off this September. 

Arozarena was among a collection of USL Championship and League One players who featured for their countries during the international window. Here are some other highlights.

- Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC goalkeeper Jahmali Waite helped Jamaica earn a 2-2 draw against Mexico at Estadio Azteca on Sunday night with a three-save performance, with the Reggae Boyz now set for the Gold Cup group stage this summer.

- Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC’s Jairo Henriquez and Oakland Roots SC’s Bryan Tamacas both started while North Carolina FC’s Nelson Flores came on as a halftime substitute as El Salvador narrowly fell 1-0 to the United States in Orlando on Monday night.

- Miami FC’s Ryan Telfer recorded a goal and assist as Trinidad and Tobago earned a 3-0 victory against the Bahamas in Concacaf League B last Friday. He also earned the penalty that contributed to the Soca Warriors’ 1-1 draw against Nicaragua to close Group C play.

- Hartford Athletic’s Kyle Edwards notched a pair of goals from the penalty spot for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, one apiece against Nicaragua and the Bahamas.

- San Diego Loyal SC’s Kyle Adams made his senior international debut for New Zealand, coming on as a second-half substitute during the side’s game against China on Sunday afternoon.

- Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC midfielder Donald Benanma started as Central African Republic took a 3-0 victory against Madagascar in Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying. CAF is currently second in its group to Ghana, currently in position to advance to next January’s finals.

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