Gold Cup 2013: Stars Who Have Had Breakout International Performances

Despite having played for the U.S. national team since 2011, Chris Wondolowski hadn't scored his first goal in international play until the 2013 Gold Cup. Wondo has surely made up for lost time. As the U.S. heads into the semifinals, Wondo is tied for the tournament lead in goals with Panama's Manuel Gabriel Torres with five.

He has spread his goals out well throughout tournament play. He found the back of the net once against Guatemala, three times against Belize and two more times against Cuba.

The 30-year-old had already made a mark in the sport in 2012 as the top goal scorer in the MLS. He's only continuing his rise to prominence with his Gold Cup showing.

Landon Donovan is clearly the most recognizable name on the American squad, but Wondo's play has vaulted him nearly as high on the international scene. 

Here are two other players who have also made quite a mark during Gold Cup play.

Joe Corona

The 23-year-old from Los Angeles scored two goals during the Gold Cup. He scored against Cuba and El Salvador and his play is likely a look into the future for the U.S. national team.

Corona is born to a Mexican father and Salvadorian mother. Since he was born in the United States, he had the option to play for all three countries. He chose to play for the U.S. and America got the type of midfielder whose game will probably grow over the next three or four years of international competition.

The best is yet to come for Corona.

Jose Ciprian Alfonso Pita

Making his debut for his country in the Gold Cup, JCAP hasn't disappointed. He's scored two goals during tournament play. Unfortunately for the Cubans, both of JCAP's goals have been the team's only goals in lopsided losses. 

He scored the only tally against the United States and Panama. Cuba was outscored a combined 10-2 in those two matches. His team is 1-3 in Group D of the standings.

While Cuba's showing hasn't been all that great, JCAP made himself known with two goals.

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