Chris Wondolowski scored two more goals as the United States advanced to the Gold Cup quarterfinals with a 4-1 win over Cuba today.
Cuba shocked the American fans when they took the lead in the 36th minute when Ciprian scored from Martinez’s cross.
But the U.S. equalized just before halftime when Landon Donovan scored from the penalty spot after Castillo was brought down in the box.
Jurgen Klinesmann must have really given the American players the hairdresser treatment at half-time as it was a much better US performance in the second half.
Joe Corona put the U.S. ahead with his first international goal in the 57th minute and what a goal it was. Corona Corona picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and curled an unstoppable strike into the far corner.
Up 2-1 Klinesman brought on Wondolowski for Hérculez Gómez and the San Jose Earthquakes striker continued his fine run of form with goals in the 66th and 85th minutes.
The first came when Beckerman played a great low ball to the near post and Wondolowski made a cutting run and deftly clipped a volley over the Cuba goalkeeper. The second came when Torres clipped a ball into Castillo who chested it to Wondolowski. The Earthquakes striker did the rest, calmly taking a touch through a defender before scoring from close range.
That is now six goals in three games for Wondo, and it will be interesting to see if he can keep scoring as the quality of the opposition improves.
The US, who have not won the Gold Cup since 2007, complete the first round Tuesday against Costa Rica in East Hartford, Conn., before moving onto Baltimore for the quarterfinals on July 21.