LAS VEGAS -- Prior to the start of the Gold Cup, United States manager Gregg Berhalter made clear that his team's goal was to win the tournament. It was the kind of statement that was easy to dismiss, a bit of coach-speak for a youthful group of players in which winning the whole thing seemed beyond their collective reach.
Berhalter proved himself a prophet, leading his team to a pulsating and deserved 1-0 extra time win over rivals Mexico in Sunday's final, with defender Miles Robinson nodding home the game-winner in the 117th minute.