Gold Cup 2013: Stars Who Will Continue to Shine for Their Teams in Group Play

Marco Fabian made a huge impact in Mexico's 2-0 win over Canada on Thursday. He scored both goals, and his performance spurred the Mexicans to their first victory of the tournament. They are still three points behind Panama in Group A, but Mexico is just beginning to hit their stride defensively.

Fabian and Co. won't be a particularly high-scoring team, but if they can defend the way they did against Canada throughout the Gold Cup, they will be dangerous.

Mexico will face the Bahamas next while Panama will have their shot at the Canadians. Mexico may have lost their opportunity to best Panama during group play when they fell 2-1 in the opener, but Fabian will be the driving force that keeps Mexico alive in the tournament.

Here's a look at two other stars who will continue their strong start at the Gold Cup.

Chris Wondolowski, USA

Landon Donovan has scored more goals than any other player in Gold Cup history with 14, but his teammate, Wondolowski, is making his mark as well.

He has already netted three goals, which is tied for the current tournament's lead. Wondolowski's play is one of the biggest reasons the Americans are 1-0. Another factor in Wondo's big performance was the competition.

The Americans crushed Belize 6-1 with Wondolowski supplying half the offense. However, don't take this as a sign that he won't be productive the rest of the way.

Wondo has become one of the better strikers in the MLS, and this tournament should continue to provide him opportunities to shine against the level of competition he's used to.

Manuel Gabriel Torres, Panama

Torres has equaled Wondolowski's goal total, though he's played in two matches and Wondo has appeared in just one.

Torres is just one aspect of a talented Panama team that has to be considered one of the favorites. We could see another multi-goal performance from Torres in his next match against Canada. He scored both goals against Mexico in the opener.

The Canadians surrendered two goals to Mexico, so it isn't crazy to think Torres could score at least twice against the Canadians. 

When group play is done, Torres is a good bet to be the player who has scored the most goals as no team left on the schedule should be able to slow him down.

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