As a group, the US national team did just enough to see off pesky Panama, 1-0, to raise the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the final report cards reflect that.
The USMNT patiently went about their business even when it wasn't quite working against an underdog side that was repeatedly lightning quick to close down space. Eventually, Brek Shea stepped off the bench to escort home the winner.
Nick Rimando (6.5) - Though he didn't have to make a single save, Rimando ably handled the ball more than usual and commanded his area when necessary.
Michael Parkhurst (6.5) - Faced with a tricky assignment, the Augsburg right back was only beaten down his flank on one occasion. Parkhurst was also safe with the ball and his overlapping run was a subtle key to the winning-goal play.
Clarence Goodson (6.5) - The San Jose defender's slack hold of the line put his partner in trouble early, but he was properly on patrol after that. Like the rest of the backline, Goodson generally was clean on the ball.
Matt Besler (6.5) - Apart from the above incident that saw him badly lose a mark, was a steady guard at the back.
DaMarcus Beasley (6.5) - Other than a bad turnover, the captain put in a solid left-back performance without making much impact on the offensive side of the ball.
Kyle Beckerman (6.5) - The defensive midfielder did not draw much notice, in this case a good thing. Beckerman mostly went about the simple business of his job, but finally stood out with a late pair of blocks.
Stuart Holden (-) - The Bolton man looked to have a spark about him before leaving early with an injury.
Alejandro Bedoya (6.5) - The Helsingborg playmaker disappeared for a stretch in the middle of the game, but most of the good US moves in the first half came through him and his entry pass led to the winner.
Landon Donovan (6.5) - The Galaxy star was barely involved when stationed along the forward line in the first half and it dulled his sharpness, as seen when beaten to a loose ball on the Panama doorstep. Once he dropped behind the forward line, both he and the US attack improved a bit. His deep run played a part in the goal, though one might gripe he should have finished it himself.
Joe Corona (5.5) - The Tijuana attacker made a fairly bright start, and then largely disappeared from the contest until being removed in the 68th minute.
Eddie Johnson (5) - The Seattle striker ran his tail off to work the defense but failed to cause danger. Most notably, EJ missed a sitter that could have put the game to bed a little early.
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann (6) - Though the boss was well above field level for this one, it was still his game plan. Defensively, the team looked secure in barring any shots on goal. However, it was a bit stretched apart in attack when Donovan was pinned to one of the Panama center backs. A slight adjustment and one sub later, the US finished the job.
SUBSTITUTES:
Mikkel Diskerud (7) - Replacing Holden midway through the opening period, Mix took fine care of the ball the rest of the way. He also showed more grit in his defensive game than usual.
Brek Shea (6.5) - The goal was a tap-in that actually didn't need the touch, so it's only a tiny thumbs up for that play. Other than that, Shea should have had an assist on the Johnson miss.
Omar Gonzalez (6.5) - Though he only played a few minutes, the Galaxy defender made three consecutive clearances in a row upon entering.
