USA vs. Cuba: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction for Gold Cup Match

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: July 13, 2013

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A dubious beginning to Saturday's CONCACAF Gold Cup match for the United States men's national team turned out to be minimally concerning, as the Americans proceeded to win comfortably over Cuba 4-1 in Sandy, Utah's Rio Tinto Stadium.

This marked an historic occasion for the victors, with the U.S. team's record-tying seventh straight win, per Fox Soccer's official Twitter:



It wasn't without adversity, though, especially in the early going. Attacking Cuban midfielder Jose Alfonso silenced the crowd with a goal in the 36th minute to put the visitors up 1-0.



As the end of the first half approached, the drama heightened significantly.

Team USA striker Landon Donovan pounded home the equalizer as the 45-minute mark approached, but he was flagged for being offside.

A disbelieving Donovan protested the call to no avail, but it wasn't long before he exacted his revenge. Left back Edgar Castillo was dragged down as he and Donovan surged on the attack, resulting in a penalty kick.

At 45'(+2), Donovan fooled goalkeeper Odelin Molina, causing him to dive the wrong way to his left and allow the veteran to bury the free kick into the opposite corner of the net.



Around the 48th minute, the U.S. had a golden opportunity to take the lead, but Molina made a fantastic sprawling save, punching away the header by Michael Orozco with his right hand.

The persistence Donovan showed for possession approximately 10 minutes later paid massive dividends for his club, though.

A plethora of Cuban defenders flanked the ball, but Joe Corona was in the right place at the right time and blasted a perfect, low-bullet type of strike with his right foot for his first international goal, which turned out to be the game-winner.



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Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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