2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup (July 7 - July 28)

[and1GS]

The argument was that Donovan is better than Dempsey, which is just plain not true. We're at our best when Donovan is at his best mostly because we have absolutely no width. That's moreso indicative of how bad our outside players are than how much better Donovan is than Clint.

FWIW I believe even Donovan has called Clint Dempsey the best American to play the game. His quote was "There’s no doubt this is the best season any American has ever put together in football." in regards to his last Fulham season. Dempsey is the better player, and has had the better career.

I understand the Dos Santos/Chicharito comparison and I suppose I'd agree, but even there everyone knows Javier is the better player. If you get it to him, he can make the big play, same deal with Clint.

[BUCKnation]

Id say Dempsey is the best player, but Donovan when in form, like now, is scary good. I just dont think that Donovan has taken soccer as seriously as he probably could have. I wouldnt say he treats it like a hobby, but I dont think went as far as he could have, like Dempsey is doing now by playing for a top Euro club. Donovan seems content to be the star of team close to home and represent the US when he can/wants to.

[and1GS]

100% correct. Donovan takes it seriously but Dempsey's meteoric rise illustrates what Klinnsman has said time and time again. If you want to improve, you play against the best and leave b-level domestic leagues like the MLS.

Not mad at Donovan but he certainly missed a big chance at hitting that same growth spurt Dempsey had.

[J-Mezzy]

The thing is that we never really got to see how good Donovan could have been if he had dedicated to making in Europe. If we are arguing who the best American player is, I agree, we have to go with Dempsey since he has enjoyed more success at the club level.

Having said that, I still feel that Donovan is more valuable to the team and still the most recognizable U.S player in the world. I hope Clint does for the U.S team what Landon has done. Landon led the team to play above expectations and brought some recognition to a team that was considered a joke in the world of football. I want the U.S to do as well as they possibly can and we will need both guys to be at the top of their game if we want the U.S to have a decent showing in the WC.

[and1GS]

Agree with that assessment. Pure talent I think it's Dempsey by quite a bit, but since we have 0 width Donovan is invaluable to us a major reason we advanced at the last WC.

[edfmx86]

Klinsmann suspended for the final, he wont be allowed on the sidelines.

[EArl]

Yeah that was unfair. The ref was being very biased.

[Hero]

To me it feels like Donovan has been around forever. Gotta give the guy credit for performing at the highest stage after all these years.

[edfmx86]

Sucks Mexico isn't playing, but I'm all up for Rimando and Beckerman getting a trophy. GO USA. Im Predicting USA wins a gritty 2-0 match.

[jerrod]

i'm so ready for this

[edfmx86]

****, Holden coming off early after bumping knees with Quintero...that really **** sucks.

[kdawg32086]

Having Holden come off early kinda sucks, but replacing him with Diskerud thankfully isn't really a downgrade.

[edfmx86]

Huge congrats to the USA beating panama 1-0. Fifth Gold Cup fr them, landon donovan gets the golden ball. From start to finish, they were the best team of the tournament. Congrats to panama as well for a great tournament!

[GS Warriors 1]

Panama made it tough with a very organized defense but I'm glad they came out with the win and the title. I think it was pretty clear when the rosters were released that the U.S. was a clear favorite to win it, they probably brought the most experienced roster out of anyone and it shows that they have some quality depth to choose from entering the last 4 WCQ matches.

[and1GS]

What was nice to see was that yes, we brought a strong squad but other than Landon and Eddie Johnson none of those guys had much of a shot at starting in Brazil. Speaks volumes about the environment Klinnsman has built that we finally have depth.