The Best USMNT Moments in the Concacaf Gold Cup

The U.S. Men’s National Team has had incredible moments in the Concacaf Gold Cup – seven titles' worth of moments. The USMNT won the inaugural tournament in 1991 and last claimed victory in 2021. As the confederation’s premier competition kicks off for the United States Sunday, June 15, the Americans look to reclaim their reign. In the tournament's 34-year history, the U.S. has won in dramatic fashion several times, from game-winners to penalty shootouts.

Before the U.S. embarks on its journey for trophy No. 9, take a look back at the best showings at the Gold Cup:

Miles Robinson’s Late-Game Heroics

The USA, and its biggest rival, Mexico, were deadlocked in the 2021 Gold Cup Final for 90 minutes. They went into extra time, and neither found the net for almost the entire 30 minutes. Defender Miles Robinson scored the go-ahead goal in the 117th minute, thwarting the chance of a penalty shootout.

Robinson was only in his ninth appearance for the red, white and blue. It was just his third international goal. Kellyn Acosta assisted Robinson on the game-winner which Robinson headed home after a beautifully executed free kick by Acosta.

The go-ahead goal gave the U.S. its most recent cup title in the 1-0 victory. Robinson returns for his third Gold Cup in 2025.

Landon Donovan’s Career-High

In the 2003 quarterfinal against Cuba, Landon Donovan recorded a USMNT career-high four goals. It's the most a U.S. player has ever scored in the competition.

Donovan netted a brace in a three-minute span. The first came in the 22nd minute with a tap-in, then he scored again in the 25th minute with a strike from eight yards out. He completed the hat trick early in the second half in the 55th again assisted by Eddie Lewis for the second time that match.

The USMNT ballooned its lead to 4-0 after a goal by Steven Bryce in the 65th minute, but the USA and Donovan weren’t done yet. Donovan secured his fourth goal in the 76th to cap off the 5-0 win. The USA would eventually fall in the semifinals to Brazil 2-1, but Donovan’s record remains untouched.

Volley for the Win

The fate of the 2007 Gold Cup Final tipped toward Mexico after a goal just before halftime. The Americans came storming back to win 2-1, claiming the country’s second-straight tournament title.

Landon Donovan scored the equalizer with a penalty kick in the 62nd minute. Less than ten minutes later, Benny Feilhaber found the back of the net on a whopping 22-yard volley for the win. A deflection came flying toward Feilhaber, and he slammed the ball as soon as it was within striking distance, catching the Mexican goalkeeper and defense off balance.

Semifinal Comeback

Much like the 2007 title match, the USMNT also completed a comeback in the 2005 Gold Cup Semifinals.

Honduras held on to a 1-0 lead for 42 minutes until the U.S. performed a miracle. John O’Brien notched the equalizer with a left-footed shot four minutes before the 90-minute mark. Then in stoppage time, Oguchi Onyewu snuck in a header to steal the victory. It was just one of the six career goals the standout center back would score.

The Americans stunned Honduras 2-1 and would later secure their third tournament championship against Mexico.

Dramatic First Title

The USMNT won the inaugural 1991 Gold Cup in a dramatic penalty shootout. Neither the USA nor Honduras could score in regulation or extra time. The first-ever title would be decided from the penalty spot.

Goalkeeper Tony Meola saved three kicks, including one that could have cemented Honduras as the first champions. Fernando Clavijo put the U.S. in a 4-3 position to win by netting his penalty kick. It was up to Meola to stay calm and clinch the win. However, Honduras' final kick was a wild one that went over the crossbar, crowning the USA champions.