GOLD CUP: GOOD START MAKES GREAT FINISH IMPROVING U.S TEAM DOMINATES COSTA RICA FOR GOLD CUP TITLE U.S. 2, COSTA RICA 0.

Byline: Fred J. Robledo Staff Writer

PASADENA - This is not the entire group that will represent the United States men's soccer team in the World Cup this summer, but with their convincing 2-0 victory over Costa Rica on Saturday to capture their second CONCACAF Gold Cup title since 1991, the Americans showed practice makes perfect.

Josh Wolff and Jeff Agoos scored goals for the United States in front of 14,432 at the Rose Bowl, as the U.S. won its fifth consecutive match with a largely Major League Soccer-based roster.

In the third-place match, Canada defeated Korea 2-1.

Normally, the Americans have five to seven days together before World Cup qualifiers. But for the Gold Cup, the team trained together for more than a month. The U.S. will have approximately the same time together prior to the World Cup this June with its roster of MLS- and European-based players.

U.S. coach Bruce Arena didn't expect the auditions to go this well before the tournament began, but then again he said he never has had a group together this long since he took over the squad in 1998.

``This is the first time we've actually had a training camp since I've been here,'' Arena said. ``We were able to spend some time together, and it paid dividends.

``We demonstrated today that we can both attack and defend. They (Costa Rica) got beat in every aspect of the game.''

Also playing well was goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who recorded his fourth consecutive shutout and allowed only one goal in the tournament.

Now what? The U.S. will meet Italy in Sicily on Feb. 13 with a much different roster and far less time to prepare. Arena said 19-year-old London Donovan will make the trip but wouldn't commit on any others.

``I wouldn't sell any of these players short, although we're missing between 12 to 15 players in Europe for this tournament,'' Arena said. ``This is a good team we put on the field and all of them are being considered.''

Hoping to secure one of the four forwards spots on the team this summer, Wolff helped his chances with a spirited run for Saturday's first goal in the 37th minute.

Frankie Hejduk sent a long ball to Wolff, who was running toward the penalty area with Costa Rican defender Luis Marin on his right shoulder. Wolff fought Marin off as he entered the penalty area, then sent a beautiful left-footed strike to the far-side netting, easily beating goalkeeper Erick Lonnis.

``I would have liked to score in my first game (against Cuba), but this was a good (goal),'' Wolff said. ``Obviously, I know something about Costa Rica, but to be able to contribute and get a goal is great. Coming back from an injury, you've got to fight, and that's what makes this goal special.''

Wolff's last goal for the United States came in a 1-0 World Cup- qualifying victory over Costa Rica on April 25 in Kansas City. Not long after, he suffered a knee injury that ended his MLS season and World Cup-qualifying campaign.

Donovan helped double the U.S. lead in the 63rd minute. The San Jose striker was hammered by Costa Rican defender Reynaldo Park, drawing a free kick from 24 yards.

Agoos took the kick, curling a beautiful shot that dipped into the right-side netting, giving the American defender his first goal since scoring against Guatemala in 1996 at the Coliseum.

Brian McBride, named the MVP of the tournament with four goals, said the U.S. needs more camps where the players are together longer.

``When we started the tournament it was about us coming together as a team and growing together,'' McBride said. ``We've come out in the last three performances and moved off the ball extremely well. Our pressure on the ball is great and creating chances was great for us.''

In the third-place match, Canada defeated Korea 2-1.

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U.S. players Jeff Agoos, left, goalkeeper Kasey Keller, center, and Cobi Jones hold up the Gold Cup trophy Saturday at the Rose Bowl after the U.S. defeated Costa Rica 2-0.

Nick Ut/Associated Press