Above: Landon Donovan with the MVP trophy

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The lone remaining Caribbean Basin challenger in the Gold Cup didn’t quite have what it took to defeat the United States in the Gold Cup Final.

The US Men’s National Team snatched a hard-fought, 1-0 victory over Panama to clinch the Gold Cup on Sunday night, thanks to a 70th-minute goal by the United States’ Brek Shea on an assist from Landon Donovan.

The teams had been scoreless for the first 69 minutes of play, despite ball control domination by the United States, which held possession for 69 percent of the game.

The US also received three yellow cards to Panama’s two, playing without head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who was suspended following an ejection in the semifinals.

Panama did not manage a shot on goal against the US, which scored on its only shot on goal thanks to Shea.

Donovan was named tournament MVP.