A single goal from Brek Shea proved enough to earn the USA their first Gold Cup title since 2007 with a 1-0 win over Panama.
US coach Jurgen Klinsmann was forced to watch the final in Chicago from the stands after picking up a touchline ban following an incident in the semi-final.
Klinsmann's side started the final brightly, with Stuart Holden firing just over the crossbar from distance before being forced off with an injury to his right knee.
Panama stayed patient with an organised approach, frustrating the hosts for long spells as they were restricted to chances from set pieces.
After 68 minutes their stubborn resistance was finally broken by Stoke City winger Shea, who tapped home from close range.
Landon Donovan initially looked destined to meet an inviting cross from Alejandro Bedoya, but his miscue saw the ball run through to Shea, who made no mistake from four yards to break the deadlock.
Eddie Johnson wasted a late chance to extend his side's advantage, but Klinsmann's team held on to claim a Gold Cup success that sparked jubilant celebrations at Soldier Field.
