USA players celebrate their victory over Panama in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final. Photo: Reuters
The U.S. men’s national soccer team is on a record winning streak as it aims for its seventh consecutive World Cup berth next year in Brazil.
The Americans beat Panama Sunday, 1-0, in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final, which was played before almost 58,000 fans at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Brek Shea scores for the USA in the 69th minute in the Gold Cup final. Photo: Reuters
Substitute Brek Shea, who plays for Stoke City in the English Premier League, came off the bench and just 42 seconds later tapped the ball into the net in the 69th minute to become the hero in the USA’s 11th straight victory.
It was the second goal of the Gold Cup tournament for the 23-year-old Shea, one of several young players who has made a positive impression on head coach Juergen Klinsmann ahead of the next round of World Cup qualifying in September.
Landon Donovan in action in the Gold Cup final. Photo: AP
Landon Donovan, the all-time leader in scoring and assists for the USA men’s team, has also made a positive impact since returning to the national squad after a four-month, self-imposed soccer sabbatical.
Donovan was named the Gold Cup’s Most Valuable Player after finishing with five goals and seven assists in the tournament.
“In terms of just having fun, it’s up there,” says Donovan. “I’m just enjoying being part of it. I really am.”
Before the Gold Cup competition kicked off, Coach Klinsmann had been criticized
U.S. soccer fan at Gold Cup final in Chicago. Photo: Reuters
for his handling of the U.S. team.
But that criticism has waned in the wake of the record winning streak and the USA’s first Gold Cup trophy since 2007, which has given Klinsmann and American soccer fans a lot to smile about.
A patriotic Sonny Young! I think Klinsmann is doing a good job and the US need to back him all the way just may be he can take the US team to the semi final of 2014 world cup in Brazil.
Yes, Sir Joshua, I think Klinsmann and the American boys should be waving the red, white and blue in Brazil in 2014.
Good Job USA. Hopefully this is leads to a good performance in Brazil next year. It would be great if we could see the Yanks regularly making it out of the group stage in the World Cup and playing well against top flight European/South American teams…and maybe even beating Ghana for once.
I was very impressed by the US Men soccer team for winning a lot of championship games. No wonder they are still aiming for more. There is no doubt that they still have a lot to give because of the skills they have.