Clint Dempsey struck again to give the United States a 1-0 win over Panama and a place in its fourth straight Gold Cup final.
Besides the fact that it ultimately advanced, virtually nothing had gone to plan for the United States in the 2011 Gold Cup heading into Sunday's quarterfinal showdown versus Jamaica.
A slow start doomed the United States against Panama, slowing the Americans' usual march to the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup.
Landon Donovan expects the United States men's national soccer team to be on its game when it resumes Gold Cup play against Panama.
Clint Dempsey slid across the grass and redirected Jozy Altidore's cross into the net. At the other end, Tim Howard smothered one shot, then recovered in time to block another from point-blank range.
With the next World Cup still three years away, the United States is already playing games that will affect the national team well into the future.
A day after being routed by the World Cup champions, Clint Dempsey and the Americans were eager for another challenge.
The Los Angeles Galaxy played a scoreless draw with D.C. United on Friday night to extend their unbeaten streak to seven games and their shutout string to four matches and 411 minutes.
It's difficult to look at Charlie Davies and not dwell on the deep scar that runs from ear to ear across the top of his skull, a reminder of the night he nearly died.
