Kritik und Lob » 26 against Boston.I

CHICAGO -- Brek Shea sure knows how to make an entrance. Just 42 seconds after coming into the game as a substitute Sunday, Shea pounced after Landon Donovan whiffed a shot and poked the ball into the net. His goal in the 69th minute gave the United States a 1-0 victory over Panama and the CONCACAF Gold Cup title. It is the fifth Gold Cup title for the Americans, but their first since 2007. It also is the first international title as a coach for Jurgen Klinsmann, who won the 1990 World Cup and 1996 European Championship with Germany. "It doesnt matter who scored today," Shea said. "We won." The U.S. is doing a lot of that lately. This was the 11th straight victory for the Americans, four more than their previous record, and they likely will leapfrog Mexico as the best team from the North and Central America and Caribbean region when the next FIFA rankings come out Aug. 8. When the final whistle sounded, the Americans on the field began celebrating while the rest of the team raced off the bench. Several players jumped up and down, and hugs and high-fives were exchanged. Klinsmann, who watched the game from a luxury box after being suspended for his tirade over the officiating in the semifinal, quickly made his way down to the field, pumping his fists in the air as he walked. "They wanted to send out a signal that they are the best group in CONCACAF, and they are," Klinsmann said. "For today." But their performance in this tournament is likely to stay with the Americans for a while. At least until the next round of World Cup qualifying in September. Not only did they outscore opponents 20-4 in the tournament -- no other team had more than 11 goals -- but they showed they are deeper than theyve ever been, with one young player after another stepping up. And one veteran, too. Despite his big whiff, Donovan was selected the tournament MVP. He finished with five goals and seven assists, a particularly impressive performance considering it followed a four-month sabbatical over the winter that cost him his place on the national team. "In terms of just having fun, its up there," Donovan said. "Im just enjoying being part of it, I really am." Though Klinsmann picks his roster based on form, not reputation, he acknowledged it would be almost impossible to leave Donovan off the roster for the next round of qualifying. "He deserves every compliment for this tournament," Klinsmann said. The only disappointment for the Americans was the loss of Stuart Holden with another right knee injury. Holden sprained his knee early in the first half, and while he will have further tests, Klinsmann said after the game that "its not looking good." "We are very, very sad for him," Klinsmann said. "We are very concerned about Stueys situation. It looks like a very serious knee injury." While most expected a Mexico-US final, Panama had other ideas, upsetting El Tri twice on the strength of its stingy defence. Panama was just as dogged against the Americans early, crowding Donovan and Eddie Johnson and not giving the U.S. any space. But rather than taking wild shots or trying to force things, the Americans stayed patient. "At times it may have been a little slow or been going back and forth, but we stuck to the game plan," Besler said. And as the game went on, the Americans began to break Panama down. They finished with three shots on goal and another eight that were off target -- six in the second half alone. Their best chance came in the 56th minute, DaMarcus Beasley chipped a ball into Donovan, who was in front of the goal at the near post. Donovan got his head on the ball, but not at the angle he wanted and it flew wide of the net. As the crowd groaned, Donovan threw back his head and Beasley swatted the red flag in the corner. "We were all hopeful, we all wanted to win," Panama coach Julio Dely Valdez said. "But we all go away feeling we gave it our all. I said I wanted to walk away from the Gold Cup feeling good, and I do." Shea replaced Joe Corona in the 68th minute, just as the Americans were pressing forward again. Alejandro Bedoya got the ball on his left foot and crossed to Donovan, who took a mighty swing -- and missed. But it was enough to throw goalkeeper Jaime Pendeo off, and when the ball rolled past Panamas Roberto Chen and on toward the net, Shea was ready. Parked inches from the goal line, Shea stuck out his left foot and tapped the ball into the net for his second international goal. "I was there just to put it away," he said. Asked if it was the quickest goal hed ever had or the closest, Shea replied, "Easiest." The Americans had a chance to double the lead in the 84th minute when Shea fed a wide-open Eddie Johnson 2 yards from the goal. But Johnson couldnt finish it, sending the ball flying over the cross bar. But it didnt matter as Panama never threatened. "I think they were rewarded today for the fantastic Gold Cup they played," Klinsmann said. "They put all their energy in that they had. They should be very, very proud of themselves." Fake MLB Jerseys . Gerald Green and Miles Plumlee? Green had bounced around the NBA when he wasnt playing overseas. The Pacers gave up on Plumlee after just one season. Now Green and Plumlee are key cogs in the Suns surprising breakout season. Fake Jerseys Website . Collaros, 25, was solid last season, posting a 5-2 record as the starter while incumbent Ricky Ray was injured. Collaros also started Torontos 23-20 regular-season finale loss to Montreal — Ray didnt dress because the Argos had already clinched first in the East Division — but was one of three quarterbacks to play that day. http://www.fakejersey.com/fake-soccer-jerseys/ . The Masters champion and winner of last weeks Australian PGA has a three-round total of 14-under 199 at Royal Melbourne. "Im in a really good position for tomorrow," Scott said. Fake Jerseys Online . - Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is not a fan of his teams use of the wildcat formation, saying "it makes you look like a high school offence. Wholesale Fake Jerseys . Gerald Green and Miles Plumlee? Green had bounced around the NBA when he wasnt playing overseas. The Pacers gave up on Plumlee after just one season. Now Green and Plumlee are key cogs in the Suns surprising breakout season. HOUSTON -- Dallas Keuchel looked like the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, and the Houston hitters woke up to support him.Keuchel pitched a three-hitter and the Astros beat Texas for just the second time in 11 tries this season, topping the Rangers 5-0 Friday night.Jose Altuve had two hits and drove in two runs as the Astros closed within 5 1/2 games of the AL West-leading Rangers. Houston had lost three in a row overall.I dont know if its ever easy against these guys, but it was clearly his best game, Houston manager A.J. Hinch said about Keuchel. He made his pitches in the strike zone or close enough for them to have to deal with them. Just a really gutsy performance at a time when we needed it.Keuchel (7-11) allowed a career low in hits while throwing his fourth major league shutout. He struck out seven and walked two.First start in August, it is getting down to the final two months, Keuchel said.This is the first start I knew going in that it was going to be good because the way my body felt, the way it was recovering in between workouts. You get a feeling that the body is turning around right in the nick of time for August and September.Keuchel was coming off one of his worst starts of the season in which he was tagged for seven runs in five innings Sunday at Detroit.Houston got to Martin Perez (7-8) for four runs in the third. Altuve hit an RBI double, Carlos Correa followed with a two-run single before Tyler White had an RBI single.Thats the way we play, Correa said. When we are at our best, we are able to turn the game around in one inning. We were able to do that tonight. It was great, and we got the win.Keuchel got off to a shaky start, giving up a double, single and walk in the first inning, along with throwing a wild pitch.I made some pitches and settled down, but I knew from the get-go that if I was able to get a groundbball with two outs, I would be in good shape, Keuchel said.ddddddddddddfter that, he permitted just two more runners before Adrian Beltre doubled in the ninth.We saw the same guy that won the Cy Young last year, Beltre said. He relies on throwing the ball on the corners. Make you chase, keeping the ball down and thats what he tried to do.Evan Gattis had three hits for Houston, which scored as many runs as it had totaled in the previous five games.Perez lost his fourth straight decision. He hasnt won since June 26 against Boston.I just think I need to control the ball, Perez said. Sometimes Im trying to throw perfect pitches. Trying to look for the pitch for double plays and when a pitcher tries to throw perfect pitches you dont have a chance. Just need to control the ball and see what happens.TRAINERS ROOMRangers: LHP Derek Holland (left shoulder inflammation) started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Round Rock. He threw two scoreless innings, with one hit, one walk and two strikeouts on 28 pitches. ... CF Drew Stubbs (toe) continued a rehab assignment Friday with Round Rock. Stubbs entered Friday 7 for 32 in 11 rehab games.UP NEXTRangers: RHP Lucas Harrell (3-2) will make his second start with Texas after coming over from Atlanta in a trade July 27. He allowed three runs in six innings against Kansas City in his first start with Texas on Sunday.Astros: RHP Doug Fister (10-7) will make his 22nd start of the season. He will look to continue the success he had in his last outing Monday when he threw six scoreless innings.ROSTER MOVEFister will come off the three-day paternity list Saturday in order to make the start. The Astros optioned RHP Brad Peacock to Triple-A Fresno to make room on the roster for Fister. ' ' '