Landon Donovan and Freddy Adu combined to create the game winning goal for Clint Dempsey, and the United States are through to the Gold Cup final with a 1-0 win over Panama.
Resting Landon Donovan Was The Right Call - Hot Time In Old Town
VIDEO: Clint Dempsey Goal Also Means Landon Donovan, Freddy Adu Redemption
Adu’s leading pass that found Donovan on the wing was really the key to the goal. But Donovan’s pinpoint pass was what allowed Dempsey to score yet another huge goal for the Yanks.
Adu, of course, was the biggest surprise when rosters for the tournament was announced. Since being declared the man who would take soccer mainstream as a 13-year-old, he has done almost nothing to live up to the hype and is currently plying his trade in the second division of Turkey. This moment was easily his most memorable in a U.S. shirt.
Read Article >USA Vs. Panama, 2011 Gold Cup Semifinals: Final Score, USMNT Claims 1-0 Victory
It’s hard to tell whether this performance means that Landon Donovan will start the next match or if they’ll keep him on the bench in the final based on results, but in any event, his performance in the second half was fantastic. Adu started the move that created the game winning goal in the second half with a fantastic through ball through two defenders, down the right flank to Donovan from the center of the pitch. Donovan ran onto the ball and found Dempsey at the far post, who touched the ball into the goal. The United States only created one goal, but it would be the only goal they needed.
Panama pushed forward and caused problems for the USMNT at the end of the game, but they never created a clear-cut goal scoring opportunity as the United States closed out the game. Dempsey was great for 90 minutes and Donovan was very good off the bench, but the real story of the game was the resurgence of Freddy Adu. He was spectacular off the bench, leaving United States fans wondering what’s to come from the still only 22 year old playmaker.
Read Article >USA Vs. Panama, 2011 Gold Cup Semifinals: USMNT To Stick With 4-2-3-1 - Black And Red United
Panama defeated the United States when the two teams met in the group stages, but a repeat of that game seems unlikely. Bob Bradley played a 4-4-2 setup that played into Panama’s hands in that match, and as Martin Shatzer of Black And Red United explains, the 4-2-3-1 is here to stay, at least for this match.
While Black And Red United does some great USMNT work, their main gig is covering MLS team D.C. United. For news and analysis of the Black And Red, give them a bookmark.
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