It's hard to say whether we should be happy to win the Gold Cup with less-than-ideal or disturbed that we didn't put together a single dominating performance against an unusually easy set of opponents. Of course, it's always good to win a major tournament so that should be the baseline. However, regardless of what you think about the most recent FIFA rankings, we are certainly much better than the rogues gallary of opponents we actually faced in this tournament. Since we managed to avoid Mexico and Columbia, it's hard to give this win too much weight. Here's how the final game breaks down...
So Close - I can't fault the team for not creating chances. There were a ton of great crosses that all seemed to be about a foot from being perfect. Clint Dempsey continued to put himself in great positions. Jimmy Conrad missed a sitter on the doorstep that showed why he's a defender. There were a number of open shots on goal where the team couldn't muster the proper velocity, placement or both. Just not our day in terms of finishing.
Frankie - This is the second time in this tournament I've heard someone utter the stunning phrase "I wish Chris Albright were available". For a crowd of people who lived through the Albright-as-striker era/mistake in DC and have the bitterness to prove it, these comments were a testament to how far he's come as a defender and how badly Frankie Hedjuk played on the right of the defense. As the US defense threatened to break down in the second half and extra time, the opportunities all seemed to come from the right side and Hedjuk never seemed to be anywhere near the play. Clint Dempsey made it back from his striker spot to break up a play around the 6 yard box and Hedjuk wasn't even close on that one. Get healthy soon Steve.
Keller - Was there any doubt that Keller would stop that first PK? The look he had on his face as the Panamanian taker stepped up was boardering on distain. I know the Panamanian keeper was named to the all-tournament team over Keller and he made a few excellent saves but if you were choosing teams there's no way you'd take anyone in CONCACAF over Keller in net right now.
The Winner - Nice to see one of the new guys have a chance to take the winning PK. Even nicer to see Brad Davis convert. It was a just reward for his performance as a sub in the final. After he came in to the match he supplied a number of dangerous crosses and narrowly missed a bold attempt on net.
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