Crofton's Beckerman excels on big stage

Kyle Beckerman is living his dream, and he doesn't want to wake until he lands in New York.

Beckerman, a standout at Arundel High School before taking his career to Major League Soccer in 2000, is supplying the U.S. national team with everything he can in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Thanks, in part, to his first international goal - a tying strike in the 49th minute during a 2-1 victory over Panama Saturday in Philadelphia - the U.S. is one game away from the final in New York.

"There's a sense of belief between the guys that it's really tough to beat this team," said Beckerman, one of 23 players from around...