USA vs. Panama: Americans' Historic Form Will Culminate in Gold Cup Final Win

The U.S. men's national soccer team is on an unprecedented 10-match winning streak, and there aren't many signs it will end in the 2013 Gold Cup final against Panama Sunday in Chicago's Soldier Field.

On the strength of an extremely potent attack catalyzed by veteran forward Landon Donovan, the Americans have scored a whopping 19 goals in the span of five matches in the tournament. That will be the main driving force in emerging victorious in the next marquee fixture.

Despite the top form the U.S. is in, Jurgen Klinsmann's team has some recent demons to overcome with regard to Gold Cup finals, as the Americans have lost the past two title matches.

This is only Panama's second trip to the finals ever, though, so the hosts definitely have the edge in experience.

Donovan is the focal point of the U.S. side in terms of production on the pitch and leadership. The 31-year-old star has assisted on seven goals in addition to scoring five of his own, which is tied with teammate Chris Wondolowski and Panama striker Gabriel Torres for the tournament lead.

Even with Klinsmann's coaching status up in the air after being ejected in the 87th minute of the U.S.'s 3-1 triumph over Honduras in the semifinals (h/t MLSSoccer.com's Andrew Wiebe), his club should fare well without him.

It hasn't taken a lot of savvy personnel changes and formation shifts—or induced a lot of stress—for Klinsmann to get the Americans to this point. He's simply allowed the team to gel together organically and fostered a competitive but clearly fun environment, and it has paid off.

This is a highly entertaining and talented bunch to watch, and some will definitely warrant consideration for the 2014 World Cup roster, with Donovan being a heavy favorite to play in Brazil.

What the American defense has to be mindful of is the formidable duo of Torres and Blas Perez—who has three goals of his own and got Panama on the board first in the squad's 2-1 victory over Mexico in the semis.

Torres is dangerous and also has a flare for the dramatic, which was proven when he sent Panama to the knockout stage on a goal in the 85th minute of a 1-0 win over Martinique.

Given how well the U.S. has played, with Matt Besler as the foundation of the defense and Nick Rimando playing outstandingly as goalkeeper, though, the Americans have plenty of means to combat the Panamanian tandem's offensive firepower.

At every turn, where the possibility of a letdown has loomed, the U.S. has risen to the occasion and not truly been threatened throughout the entire tournament, save for a 1-0 close call with Costa Rica.

As long as this form holds, with or without Klinsmann, the U.S. will take home its fifth Gold Cup trophy comfortably over the valiant Red Tide.

Note: Statistics and information are courtesy of CONCACAF.com.