Landon Donovan has once again proven why he has been the "golden boy" of US soccer since breaking through to the national team. His play has elevated the overall play as well as moral of the entire starting XI. Scoring 5 goals on 12 shots so far this tournament, Donovan has risen to the occasion. Playing ever minute of every match so far, Landon will need to keep this caliber of play up in order for the US to secure a 5th Gold Cup Championship. Playing as a withdrawn, supporting center forward, Donovan has been able to dictate the flow of the attack as well as link up with the midfield. His goal in the 27th minute vs Honduras showcased he still have what it takes to be an influential player at the international level. For the USA to win, look for Donovan the play in the same role as he did vs Honduras. The execution of play in the final third must go through Landon, who will act as the on field general.
Goal, Goals, Goals have been flying in with ease. Chris Wondolowski and Donovan have both recorded 5, in addition to Eddie Johnson and Joe Coronas who have both tallied 2. Taking a total of 87 shots and scoring 19 the USA leads the Gold Cup in both categories. As Wondo and Lando battle it out for the Golden Boot award the high quality of finishing must continue in the final vs Panama. Panama, 2nd in goals (11), have been able to find the net when needed. Scoring first is the biggest challenge for the favored USA, as Panama got ahead early on Mexico. This no doubt correlated to the success in there win. If the USA scores first, they will win.
A Strong Midfielder performance from the likes of Stuart Holden, Kyle Beckerman, Jose Torres and Alejandro Bedoya will be ideal. The foursome looked strong in the semi-final, with Kyle Beckerman standing out. He limited his mistakes, got stuck in defensively in front of the back-line playing the spot which is usually filled by either Michael "The Maestro" Bradley or Jermaine Jones. Holden's attacking prowess and his restless tackling was a great sign, as his health has been questioned since returning from injury problems. Torres and Bedoya both put in worthy performances in the semi-final, with Bedoya tallying two assists and both playing well linking with Donovan and Eddie Johnson. If the USA is going to win, the nuclei of the midfield must be willing to play smart, quick football. The linking of passes and quick possession out of the back will give them an overall edge in another achieving victory.
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Sean Sullivan
almost 11 years
Landon Donovan has once again proven why he has been the "golden boy" of US soccer since breaking through to the national team. His play has elevated the overall play as well as moral of the entire starting XI. Scoring 5 goals on 12 shots so far this tournament, Donovan has risen to the occasion. Playing ever minute of every match so far, Landon will need to keep this caliber of play up in order for the US to secure a 5th Gold Cup Championship. Playing as a withdrawn, supporting center forward, Donovan has been able to dictate the flow of the attack as well as link up with the midfield. His goal in the 27th minute vs Honduras showcased he still have what it takes to be an influential player at the international level. For the USA to win, look for Donovan the play in the same role as he did vs Honduras. The execution of play in the final third must go through Landon, who will act as the on field general. Goal, Goals, Goals have been flying in with ease. Chris Wondolowski and Donovan have both recorded 5, in addition to Eddie Johnson and Joe Coronas who have both tallied 2. Taking a total of 87 shots and scoring 19 the USA leads the Gold Cup in both categories. As Wondo and Lando battle it out for the Golden Boot award the high quality of finishing must continue in the final vs Panama. Panama, 2nd in goals (11), have been able to find the net when needed. Scoring first is the biggest challenge for the favored USA, as Panama got ahead early on Mexico. This no doubt correlated to the success in there win. If the USA scores first, they will win. A Strong Midfielder performance from the likes of Stuart Holden, Kyle Beckerman, Jose Torres and Alejandro Bedoya will be ideal. The foursome looked strong in the semi-final, with Kyle Beckerman standing out. He limited his mistakes, got stuck in defensively in front of the back-line playing the spot which is usually filled by either Michael "The Maestro" Bradley or Jermaine Jones. Holden's attacking prowess and his restless tackling was a great sign, as his health has been questioned since returning from injury problems. Torres and Bedoya both put in worthy performances in the semi-final, with Bedoya tallying two assists and both playing well linking with Donovan and Eddie Johnson. If the USA is going to win, the nuclei of the midfield must be willing to play smart, quick football. The linking of passes and quick possession out of the back will give them an overall edge in another achieving victory.