Reserves show they've got what it takes

This "B" team is earning an "A."

The United States advanced to the Gold Cup championship game with a 2-0 semifinal victory against Honduras on Thursday night in Soldier Field.

Few of these players will be on the roster in games that really matter during the next year, but they are showing that the United States is developing a deep pool of players just in case.

"You want at once to have an opportunity to actually be on the team, and you have to keep the standard very high and show (U.S. coach Bob Bradley) that we can perform at this level," said central defender Clarence Goodson.

Goodson gave the United States a big momentum boost just before halftime when he headed home a Stuart Holden corner kick for a 1-0 lead. Kenny Cooper put the game away in the 90th minute with a goal from 4 yards out, with Holden again getting the assist after a nice heel pass from Brian Ching.

The United States could have had even more goals. It held an edge in possession and forced Honduras goalkeeper Donis Escobar to make 8 saves. U.S. goalkeeper Troy Perkins only was tested once, in the 85th minute.

"Sometimes when you don't take advantage of those opportunities, you pay for it," Bradley said, singling out scoring chances early in the second half. "We were fortunate tonight that finally late we got that second goal and we were able to finish off the game at that point."

The United States will play the winner of Thursday's second semifinal between Mexico and Costa Rica. That game will be Sunday in New Jersey.