Inspired 2nd half leads USA over Mexico

Change the venue, change the coaches, change the players. The only thing that doesn't change when Mexico and the United States play is the result.  Landon Donovan scored his 34th career goal, tying Eric Wynalda atop the career list, and Benny Feilhaber connected on a gorgeous volley as the United States rallied for a 2-1 victory over Mexico on Sunday in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the championship of North, Central America and the Caribbean.

The victory extended the Americans' dominance over their neighbors to the south and gave them a berth in the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa. The United States is 9-2-1 against Mexico since 2000, including 8-0-1 on U.S. soil.

Mexico at least managed a goal this time, snapping a streak of eight straight shutouts. Jose Andres Guardado's goal in the 44th minute was El Tri's first on U.S. soil in 797 minutes.  Mexico had a chance to tie it in the 89th minute when Adolfo Bautista came up with a loose ball in front of the goal. But Tim Howard reached up as he was falling, and punched the ball free to preserve the win.

This is the fourth Gold Cup title for the Americans, tying them with Mexico. It also kept new coach Bob Bradley's unbeaten record intact at 10-0-1. Bradley took over as interim coach after Bruce Arena was let go after the World Cup, and was given the job permanently May 16.