The Daily Scoop


GC Final Showdown On Tap by Mark Flannery - June 23, 2007

The United States Men's National Team and Mexico are set to face off for the second time in 2007 when they meet in the Gold Cup Final Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field in Chicago. While Mexico have made it to the final in non-spectacular fashion with back-to-back 1-0 victories over Costa Rica and Guadeloupe, the US come in amid a bit of controversy following their 2-1 victory over Canada. Canadian players were left fuming when Atiba Hutchinson had an tying goal incorrectly ruled offside in the game's final moments, leaving observers to question whether or not the final match-up was curiously convenient. Nonetheless, the two heavyweights of CONCACAF will once again meet for the opportunity to claim bragging rights to the region, with current form giving Mexico the slight edge. The United States have struggled to put teams away, and their defensive back four has at times lacked essential communication. Against Canada, the US side tired as the second half wore on and were let off the hook by the poor officiating.	Pardo sent El Tri to the final on a rocket. (photo: Aaron Sprecher/Getty)
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Jonathan Bornstein, while eager to move forward, has been easily turned on the wing and the Carlos Bocanegra/Oguchi Onyewu pairing has not panned out as hoped. Frankie Hejduk has perhaps played his best tournament since World Cup 2002, notching a lightning strike versus Canada, but will be out due to a yellow cards suspension. Though Jonathan Spector is an option, Frank Simek may be the choice to replace Hejduk, being a natural right back. The key to the game may once again come down to Landon Donovan, who has developed a knack for coming to play versus El Tricolor. Though he leads the US with three goals in this tournament, each has come from the penalty spot. Although Mexico is having trouble finding the back of the net, their defense has been virtually impenetrable. Since struggling against Cuba and losing to Honduras, El Tri have posted three straight shutouts. The last meeting between the two teams will be remembered for Oswaldo Sanchez' swipe at Eddie Johnson as much as for the common 2-0 scoreline in favor of the US. The match featured a plethora of missed opportunities for the Mexican side, as well as the emergence of Andres Guardardo, who caused fits all afternoon for the Americans. Jared Borgetti leads Mexico with two goals in the tournament, his second the last minute strike in the hard fought match against Costa Rica. It will be the striker's first match-up with Onyewu since the 2005 World Cup qualifier that saw Gooch dominate the proceedings.