Despite the unwelcoming pouring rain as the U.S. Men's National Team entered Rio Tinto on Saturday, the men in red and white pulled off a Gold Cup group game victory verses Cuba, 4-1.
Although the U.S. squad was off defensively and offensively for most of the first half, the home team held Cuba to one first-half goal. By fending off the Cuban attack early on, the United States kept the game within reach.
Starting forward Landon Donovan made a crucial, game-tying penalty kick in the waning moments of the opening half, which served as a momentum builder for the U.S.
The United States offense took off in the second half, and all three substitutions provided a spark off the U.S. bench. Forward Chris Wondolowski, who subbed in for Hérculez Gómez in the 58th minute, continued his hot, goal-scoring streak as he proved again his rightful spot in red and white.