USA vs. Panama: Biggest Takeaways from Gold Cup 2013 Final

The United States men's national team outscored their opponents 20-4 in a trophy-winning run at the Gold Cup that was capped off with a 1-0 victory over Panama.

The win handed the Americans their first Gold Cup championship since 2007, and their fifth overall.

In a tournament of dominance, the win in the championship game was mild. However, the score doesn't tell the whole story. There is plenty from this contest to take away as the U.S. continues its preparation for next year's World Cup. 

The Offense Has Evolved

It's been a long two-year process for the attack under Jurgen Klinsmann, but it is finally bearing fruit. 

Due to a suspension, Klinsmann was barred from his post on the sidelines, but he had to be pleased with what he saw. While his team only had one goal to show for 11 shots, it was through a smart and patient attack.

Panama was committed to sitting back and playing strong defense. Just take a look at the touches from the first half.

While the Americans weren't getting a lot of good looks, they were dominating possession. At the end of the match, the USMNT had controlled the ball 69 percent of the time. 

After a tournament where they had thrived on quick and ample strikes, the Americans didn't force the issue. They took what Panama gave them and rode it to a win.  

Brek Shea Still Has a Future with the International Team

Brek Shea's talent and potential have led to thoughts of him making a big impact with the USMNT. He is 6'3" and has the explosion needed to play in midfield. 

At 23, he also has a long career ahead of him. However, he has become a forgotten man. He wasn't even added to the roster until Josh Gatt's injury.

Of course, this is all understandable. Shea has not been able to stay healthy, and he is still trying to get his fitness back to where it needs to be. 

While he was relegated to being a late sub, Shea made his mark in the championship game. 

This was just the latest heroics from Shea. He also scored the go-ahead goal in the 82nd minute in the quarterfinal against Costa Rica.

Shea was aggressive and forced the action when he was on the pitch. While his goal in the championship game was a tap-in on an open net, he put himself in position to make it happen. 

If Shea can manage to stay healthy, he will work his way onto the first team. 

Mix Diskerud is a Budding Star

Dealing with the loss of midfielder Stuart Holden to injury, the Americans were thin at the position. However, 22-year-old Mix Diskerud came off the bench and made sure there would be no letdown. 

Diskerud played a masterful central midfield. He was smart and accurate with the ball. The offense was flowing through him as much as any player on the pitch, and he was making the right decisions. He displayed a poise that belies his slim experience. 

He was also quick and disruptive on change of possessions. It was a performance so impressive that Soccer by Ives gave him Man of the Match.

A product of the U.S. U-20 and U-23 teams, Diskerud had played four friendlies with the senior team heading into the Gold Cup. He's had an impressive tournament and even notched a goal in the quarterfinal against El Salvador.

There is no denying Diskerud is quickly moving his way toward more playing time with the senior team.