How US Men's National Team Can Build off Gold Cup Title

The United States men's national team won their 11th consecutive match en route to their fifth CONCACAF Gold Cup title. The Americans were perfect throughout the tournament, outscoring the opposition 20-4 in six matches.

Composed primarily of "B-team" members, the Stars and Stripes were extremely impressive throughout the entire three weeks; with the success culminating in the form of champions medals after their 1-0 victory over Panama in Chicago this past Sunday.

Still, American fans are thinking about the bigger picture after witnessing the Federation's first international title since the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup. With vital World Cup qualifying matches upcoming (Sept. 6 away to Costa Rica, Sept. 10 home against Mexico) Jurgen Klinsmann's side will hope to continue recent form and clinch a berth to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil next summer.

After seizing continental supremacy, the US will have their eyes set on the world stage. In order to build off the Gold Cup triumph the Americans should recognize the following lessons that this tournament revealed about the state of the national team.

Ample Choices for Klinsmann

Before the start of the 2013 Gold Cup most analysts were focused on a select group of players who were most likely to be called up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Any pundit would be lying if he/she told you that Landon Donovan was not in that category. After a three-month self-imposed sabbatical, Donovan reminded everyone that he still has the potential to start—and star—for the Stars and Stripes. Sports Illustrated soccer journalist Grant Wahl claimed the following regarding Donovan after his performance in the quarterfinal against El Salvador:

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There was a moment Sunday after Landon Donovan scored his 53rd international goal that seemed not just cleansing but almost Biblical in its imagery. The rain was falling at M&T Bank Stadium, and the U.S. was leading El Salvador, 5-1. As he ran to celebrate, Donovan closed his eyes, stretched his arms out wide and fell to his knees, turning his head to the heavens and opening his mouth to drink the water from above.

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There are absolutely no doubts about Donovan's ability after claiming Golden Ball honors (Most Valuable Player) after his five-goal, seven-assist performance in this summer's Gold Cup. At this point, it would be a shock if Landon Donovan was not on the roster for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. If he can produce similar results in said qualifiers and friendly matches, Donovan will be on track to compete in his fourth FIFA World Cup next summer.

While Donovan stole the headlines these past three weeks, many other Americans have put themselves in contention for "A-team" spots. Jurgen Klinsmann has the luxury—though some may say burden—of choosing from a talented pool of footballers for the final slate of World Cup qualifying matches. Such players include:

Mix Diskerud: The Norwegian-born midfielder has been one of the most surprising talents for the US national team during the Gold Cup. The 22-year-old is an extremely creative central midfielder with excellent vision; often combining with Landon Donovan through intricate passes and off-the-ball movement. Still, there is fierce competition at the midfield positions both from the regular starting core and "B-team" players. Diskerud had a solid performance in Sunday's final against Panama at the expense of teammate Stuart Holden, who left the match in the 23rd minute after an apparent knee injury.

Kyle Beckerman: Along with Diskerud, Kyle Beckerman has definitely raised some eyebrows at the CDM position after a very successful Gold Cup. Beckerman complements Diskerud and the other creative players because he is a reliable defensive presence. Beckerman allows the attacking midfielders the luxury of committing numbers in the final third because his main focus tends to fall toward the defensive aspect of the game. While the US national team is fairly set on starting central midfielders (i.e. Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones), Beckerman is definitely a legitimate backup choice.

Eddie Johnson & Chris Wondolowski: It is difficult to separate the duo in this situation. While the two strikers were never actually on the field at the same time during the Gold Cup, they both made ample noise throughout the tournament. Wondolowski opened the Gold Cup with a first half hat-trick against Belize and finished as joint top goalscorer with five goals this campaign. Eddie Johnson was Klinsmann's choice up top during the knockout rounds, scoring goals against El Salvador and Honduras. Because the striker position is not particularly a strong point for the US national team, both Johnson and Wondolowski will have the opportunity to cement themselves into a potential World Cup squad.

Humility is Key

While the US dominated the Gold Cup with their second-string team, the players and staff must understand the significance of the moment. Yes, the team performed exceptionally this summer; managing to look like a band of brothers rather than individuals competing for starting spots. The Gold Cup title convinces me that the United States would arguably be the best team in the region even with their bench players thrown into battle—though I feel Mexico would disagree.

The US should take a page from Mexico's diary. Last summer the Mexicans won gold at the 2012 London Olympics and top soccer pundits claimed this victory to be the start of a golden era for the nation, including the previously cited Sports Illustrated journalist Grant Wahl.

Oh how quickly the tables can turn. In 2013 Mexico had won only two matches prior to the Gold Cup, and they sit (uncomfortably) in third place in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying standings. After failing to reach the Gold Cup final, Mexican fans have become irritated with coach Jose Manuel de la Torre after recent results.

Much like the Gold Cup, the Olympics were a "second-string" tournament, made up primarily of Under-23 players that do not necessarily reflect the overall talent pool of any given country. During the Gold Cup, the United States and Mexico fielded a majority of "B-team" players to give their starters rest before their professional seasons and upcoming World Cup qualifiers begin. Still, the US should feel proud that their "B-team" was able to perform with a sense of poise and cleverness resulting in a Gold Cup title.

For now, the Klinsmann System looks to be paying dividends for the US men's national team. It would not be unreasonable for American fans to begin eyeing Brazil 2014 as it appears that the Stars and Stripes will field their deepest team in recent memory.