CHICAGO — Brek Shea scored less than a minute after entering the game as a second-half substitute, giving the United States a 1-0 victory over Panama in the Gold Cup final Sunday.
It is the fifth Gold Cup title for the Americans, but their first since 2007. The victory also extended the Americans’ winning streak to a record 11 games.
U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann was forced to watch the game from a luxury box after being suspended for his tirade over the officiating in the semifinal, and the Americans took some time getting on track in his absence. They eventually settled in, but couldn’t finish off any of their chances.
Enter Shea.
He replaced Joe Corona in the 68th minute and, 44 seconds later, pounced on a scuffed shot by Landon Donovan for the goal.
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