US wins Gold Cup final, Beckerman named man of the match

The United States men's national team won the CONCACAF Gold Cup today with a 1-0 victory over a resolute Panamanian side, with the deadlock broken 70 minutes in.

Brek Shea scored the solitary goal in the match, but it was a cross into the area — or perhaps a shot — by Alejandro Bedoya, perhaps deflected into the path of the goalkeeper by Landon Donovan, that led to the goal.

Throughout, Kyle Beckerman was essential in his break-up play — but it was his safe, sane passing that kept the trophy from slipping beyond the grasp of the side through the entirety of the tournament.

Beckerman was named man of the match for the final, perhaps because he was found everywhere in the middle third of the field, and perhaps because his passing — while never overly intricate — kept Panama on the back foot, and kept the U.S. in possession for long swathes of the match.

Nick Rimando, who played all but 90 minutes of the tournament for the United States, making some spectacular saves at times but never being thoroughly tested.

Tony Beltran played only the match at Rio Tinto Stadium, looking generally solid against Cuba.

All three are involved in the MLS All Star Game on Monday, and will then return to Real Salt Lake. Beltran, however, is suspended for his next match after receiving a red card prior to departing for Gold Cup duty.