The United States reached their fourth consecutive CONCACAF Gold Cup final thanks to a Clint Dempsey goal which secured a 1-0 win for the hosts over Panama on Wednesday night.

Dempsey struck in the 77th minute following a pass from Landon Donovan to avenge the Americans’ 2-1 loss to Panama in the group stages earlier in the tournament.

“It wasn’t our best game but at the end of the day we kept going and got the goal needed to win the game,” Dempsey said. “All I had to do was put my foot on it.”

The Americans will play Mexico in tomorrow’s championship match at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. The Mexicans defeated Honduras 2-0 after extra-time in the other semi-final.

Freddy Adu helped set up the winning goal with a long pass to Donovan at the Reliant Stadium.

Donovan, playing his 27th straight Gold Cup match, then played an inch-perfect pass across the Panama goal to Dempsey, who applied the finishing touch.

“We know that when we apply our game we are a pretty hard team to beat,” said 22-year-old Adu.

“I think we showed our quality in being able to grind out a result,” said Dempsey.

Panama’s loss was their fourth consecutive defeat to the Americans in the knockout stages.

Panama coach Julio Dely Valdes said the Americans had more energy.

“It was a very intense game, very few chances for both teams,” Dely Valdes said. “I’m pleased with my team’s performance, they fought until the very end.”

In the other game, Mexico had a penalty appeal turned down shortly before half-time when Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez appeared to be bundled over and the half ended goalless.

Pablo Barrera’s second-half effort was tipped onto the bar by Honduras keeper Noel Valladares and Giovany Dos Santos missed a glorious chance, before Alfredo Talavera’s save from Roger Espinoza at the other end ensured extra time.

Aldo De Nigris’ aerial threat then made the difference for Mexico, the substitute heading in Efrain Juarez’s corner and flicking on another dangerous flag-kick for Hernandez to bundle home.