2013 Gold Cup Quarterfinals: 5 Major Takeaways from USA vs. El Salvador

In its first game past the Gold Cup group stage, the United States pummeled El Salvador in an excellent 5-1 game, led by the stellar play of Landon Donovan.

While the game started slowly in a 2-1 first half, the U.S. was able to score three goals in the second half to put the game away.

The U.S. has now advanced into the semifinals against Honduras, but the result of the Gold Cup doesn’t worry Jurgen Klinsmann.

Klinsmann is using this tournament to essentially try out some players—young and old—in order to construct the 2014 World Cup roster. Unfortunately, each player has played so well that it will take a lot to make the squad.

Nevertheless, the U.S. will likely build on its stellar second half moving into Wednesday’s game with Honduras.

Let's take a look at five things we learned from the match.

Landon Donovan Is Officially Back

I would be lying if I were to say I was a big Landon Donovan fan. The praise he has gotten so far during the Gold Cup has been unwarranted for the most part.

Until Sunday, that is.

Donovan once again proved why he is one of the greatest soccer players in United States history with his one-goal and three-assist performance.

If you take a look at his goal, he proves that he still has the speed to outrun defenses at the international level.

However, his game wasn’t perfect. He missed a multitude of shots throughout the entire game. If Donovan can find his shooting touch, he will definitely be a weapon for the United States next year.

Joe Corona Could Take Graham Zusi’s Wing Spot

The one player who really made a name for himself during this Gold Cup is Joe Corona. He has shown an unteachable ability to score great goals.

In his first international goal against Cuba, he was able to hit the ball perfectly in the bottom-right corner from the edge of the box.

In his latest goal against El Salvador, Corona showed his creativity by faking a shot to his right and then hitting the ball into the bottom-left corner.

With his incredible play so far, he has easily cemented himself as a Gold Cup starter for the team's remaining games. He has been one of the best players on the roster.

Fellow midfielder Graham Zusi has played really well for the United States in its last few qualifiers, so it will be really interesting to see how this positional battle will play out next summer.

Clarence Goodson Is the Real Deal

Jurgen Klinsmann has been looking for the right combination of defenders throughout his entire stint as head coach of the United States.

He might have finally found his pairing.

Clarence Goodson hasn’t been phenomenal in the Gold Cup, but other than Omar Gonzalez, he has played better than any center back the U.S. has deployed over the last few years.

His goal against El Salvador was great for a couple reasons. First, it showed how to stick with the play. A lot of defenders move in for the corner, and then as soon as it is taken, retreat back to their position.

Goodson stayed involved and finished the Donovan cross.

Michael Orozco Fiscal has played well during the Gold Cup, but he doesn’t have the international experience to compete with Goodson.

Omar Gonzalez will join the team for the game on Wednesday against Honduras, so it will be interesting to see how Klinsmann builds his defense. If he is smart, he will play Goodson and Gonzalez.

Eddie Johnson in, Chris Wondolowski out

If you read any of my previous articles on the United States Men’s National Team, you know that I am not too fond of Chris Wondolowski—even with his five goals in the Gold Cup.

After getting the start against El Salvador, he thoroughly disappointed.

He was unable to connect with Donovan the entire game and at times looked lost.

As soon as Eddie Johnson came in, the team changed. In fact, Johnson scored a great goal just 14 seconds into his 30-minute stint.

His header displayed great presence and athleticism, as he soared through the air and headed the ball perfectly in the upper corner of the net.

Johnson also set up Donovan’s goal with another perfectly placed header.

Ultimately, Johnson is a much more versatile option as a No. 9 for the U.S. squad. His superior athleticism makes him a much better option than Wondolowski in the long run.

Jurgen Klinsmann’s Style of Football Is Perfect for the U.S.

Many questioned Jurgen Klinsmann after the unfortunate start to his tenure, but he has certainly turned it around.

Over this nine-game win streak, he has shown the ability to adapt to roster changes while still keeping his tactics set.

One strategy that has been really effective for the U.S. is with its left back. Fabian Johnson and DaMarcus Beasley are very speedy backs who have an incredible ability to get up and down the field for a full 90 minutes.

Johnson and Beasley get into the final third of the field and feed crosses to the offensive-minded players. The defense pushing up allows the midfield to push forward and be more involved with the attack.

This is just one of Klinsmann’s great strategies, but he does so much more as the U.S. head coach.

If he continues to develop the talent and change the culture of American soccer, the U.S. could make a run deep into the World Cup next year.