Gold Cup Final big plays of the first half



Michael Bradley nods the US men's first goal home against Mexico in Pasadena, CA

The game opens with Chicharito nearly latching onto a quick pass between the defenders. Onsides, Hernandez hit it just wide of Tim Howard's net.


8'. Michael Bradley takes on a Freddy Adu cross, knocking the ball to the far post for the game's first goal in the *' minute.

14'. Chicharito hits a shot from a cutting pass from Barrera, only to have it come off the post. Howard recovers, and the defense scrambles the ball out of the danger area.

11'. Steve Cherundolo subbed off with a sprained ankle for Jonathan Bornstein. Lichaj shifts over to right back.

24'. Freddy Adu finds Landon Donovan, Donovan passes to Dempsey, continues his run towards goal, takes a touch after a give and go and drills the left footed shot near post.

26' Despite some pressure by Mexico, Freddy Adu finds his way back into the box, takes on 2 defenders, and puts a curling shot just to the right of goal.

28'. After a quick throw in and substitution, Mexico works a long ball to Barrera past Bornstein and slots it home. Including this game, the US has kept a shutout in 4 of 6 games in this tournament. This is the first goal against for the US since the 2-1 group stage loss to Panama.

33' Donovan yellow card, first booking of the day. Catches the center back Marquez going for a lifted through ball from Bornstein.

36'. Gio Dos Santos puts a shot in aiming for the far post. Lichaj sticks out a leg but only sets it up for Guardado, who hits it before Howard can get to it. The ball rolls into the net to make the game 2-2

38'. Freddy Adu takes a couple studs to the head, on replay the stamp looked intentional, Mexican player lucky not to see yellow or red.

42'. Marquez goes down, has to be stretchered off due to a hamstring injury. While being carried off, takes off captain's arm band, has to be substituted for Hector Reynoso, the 2nd of Mexico's 3.

As the half winds down, it's all Mexico. Maintaining possession, they continue to try the long ball into the attacking third, making the US defenders work to keep the score 2-2. It's been an attacking game, it's been an entertaining game. Despite being in front of a simulated away crowd, team USA has been able to break down the Mexican defense, scoring the same number of goals against Mexico as they've conceded during the entire tournament up to this point. The Mexican attack has proved deadly, coming from behind to even up the score. Let's see what happens in the next half. It's USA - 2, Mexico - 2 after 45 minutes at the Rose Bowl.

Gold Cup Final: USA vs. México

My predictions on the 2011 Gold Cup final between the United States and Mexico.

1. México will come out looking to score early against team USA. Defending early on has been the American's Achilles heal, so the probable combination of Clarence Goodson and Carlos Bocanegra will need to communicate and track back when on the backheal in order to keep Tim Howard's net safe. They can expect a lot of pressure outside of the box; a single penetrating run onto a through ball is all it will take for El Tri to get on the score sheet.

2. México will draw a penalty, while the USA will not in a similar situation.

3. Chicharito and Clint Dempsey will both score. Both players are at their best on the attack, as they have been throughout not only this tournament but the past Premiership season as well. Both players are also passionate competitors, both possessing the strong desire and will to win. Chicharito is still on his way up the projected super-star ladder, while Dempsey is at the peak of his career. Expect them each to have a huge impact in their respective teams' performances.

4. Landon Donovan will start. Left on the bench the last two games after returning from his sister's wedding on the day of the game against Jamaica, Donovan will be looking to start against the arch-rivals. His performance against Panama in the semi-finals, coming from off the bench to deliver a ball into Clint Dempsey's feet for the game winning goal, will certainly help coach Bob Bradley in his decision. Look for him on the wing in midfield.

5. The winning side will need to utilize an unsung hero to prevail. In the case of the US, this could come in the form of Freddy Adu, Jermaine Jones, Steve Cherundolo, even Eric Lichaj. Whether in the form of a cutting pass, a perfect cross, or a decisive goal, these players have stood out in this tournament amongst stars like Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, and Tim Howard. This is the perfect opportunity for each of them to truly cement their reputation in the US line-up with a good performance.