Once again, Clint Dempsey comes up with a big goal at a crucial time in a must win match. Seems like a broken record, but it’s the truth. Clint’s goal in the 77th minute was the cherry on top of a sundae built by Freddy Adu & Landon Donovan which gave the United States a 1-0 victory over Panama and thus punching their ticket to the final.

Freddy found Landon, who found space & eventually…a sliding Deuce for the winner. Once again, not the best U.S. performance ever, but we’ve reached yet another CONCACAF Gold Cup final versus Mexico. Wait, doesn’t another Fulham player suit up for “El Tri?”

I haven’t mentioned Carlos Salcido at all during this tournament. Why? Well, as much as I like Salcido when he suits up for Fulham, he’s my mortal enemy when he puts on that ugly ass green kit. Plus, at the beginning of the tournament, I felt there was a chance Carlos would be sold to another club, which hasn’t happened yet. Carlos has started every Mexico match I believe during this tournament, which means this should set up a meeting between two Fulham players in the final. But there is a bit of a catch.

Carlos was one of two Mexican players forced out of action during their 2-0 extra time victory over Honduras. He walked off the pitch a bit hobbled, so nobody is real sure if he suffered an injury which would keep him out of the final or not. For his sake, I’m hoping he’ll be ready to go on Sunday. As for me, I wouldn’t shed a tear if he missed the final. I’m not going to be all emotional over a potential Clint vs Carlos match up.

The final takes place this Saturday night at a sold out Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. Anytime there is a “Border War” the atmosphere is absolutely electric. Mexico has won the last two meetings (both in 2009), so you know the Yanks will be up for this one.

By the way, is it me or does Clint & Carlos look like they are about to make out in that picture?