USMNT's Gold Cup Crown Should Not Be Trivialized

We don't know what is going to happen if the United States makes it to the 2014 World Cup, but one thing's for sure: the Americans' 2013 Gold Cup crown should not be trivialized.

The USA may not have faced top competition in the Gold Cup this year, but that shouldn't take away from the Americans' accomplishment. The United States outscored its six opponents in the tournament 20-4. That included a 1-0 victory over Panama on Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill.

In the win over Panama, the USA held possession for 69 percent of the match, per MLSSoccer.com. That was a common theme during the Gold Cup. In the quarterfinals against El Salvador, the Americans held the ball for 70 percent of the match.

While Landon Donovan was undoubtedly the star for the United States during the tournament (five goals, seven assists), the various contributions across the roster cannot be ignored. Chris Wondolowski posted five goals in the USA's first two matches. Then, Eddie Johnson scored 14 seconds after coming onto the pitch in the quarterfinals against El Salvador—then scored in the 11th minute upon receiving the start in the semifinals against Honduras.

The work of Joe Corona, Alejandro Bedoya, Kyle Beckerman, Mix Diskerud and Stuart Holden (who sadly suffered a sprained right knee Sunday) also cannot be ignored. They were instrumental in dictating the pace for the Americans, each doing his part to give the edge to the USA.

That depth continued to be displayed when Brek Shea scored the game-winner in the 69th minute against Panama just one minute after entering the match for Corona. That was after he scored the game-winner against Costa Rica in the USA's third match of the tournament. This was from a player who looked terrible against Cuba in the USA's second match of the tournament and was consequently left off the pitch in the second half.

And while the United States managed only one shot on goal against Panama, that one shot on goal was a goal. It highlighted the Americans' ability to rise to the occasion time and time again during the 2013 Gold Cup. Twelve of the USA's 20 goals in the tournament were scored in the second half.

It's easy to dismiss the USA's recent run by looking at the competition the Americans have faced, but if you look at how the team has come together and the improved chemistry, there's reason to expect the run to continue while the United States potentially surprises in 2014.

For now, the USA has plenty to be proud of.