By Ivan Orozco

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey - It is the duo the Mexican national team had seen before.

It was 2005 when Carlos Vela and Giovani dos Santos began to turn heads at the international level.

Both players were part of the team that led Mexico to its first World Cup title. Sure, it was at the under-17 level, but it was a flash of what the future of Mexican soccer could possibly bring.

Vela and dos Santos along with a handful of teammates from that U-17 squad were deemed "La Generacion de Oro," the Golden Generation.

They were supposed to change the face of El Tri. It was only a matter of time as the pair grew into the senior team.

That time might have arrived.

Vela and Dos Santos changed the face of a Gold Cup championship match to help Mexico to a 5-0 win against its arch rival the United States Sunday at a sold out Giants Stadium.

Most believed that moment would not materialize after Mexico failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics under coach Hugo Sanchez, who was subsequently fired.

It took a few years for Vela and Dos Santos to make their mark with the senior team. Chances are they will stay there.

Vela and dos Santos both scored Sunday against an American team that was essentially a Major League Soccer All-Star team. But it was their fluid brand of soccer that Mexico and its fans had been craving that changed the face of the match.

Vela came in at the half, replacing Alberto Medina. It was the 20-year-old's second appearance in the tournament since nursing an ankle injury against Nicaragua in the Group C opener.

The Arsenal striker didn't stop to speak with reporters after the game.

"We're done here," he said with a smile and signaling a thumbs up.

Dos Santos scored in the 62nd minute and Vela scored five minutes later before the downpour of second half goals erupted sending a partisan Mexico crowd of 79,156 into a frenzy after a lackluster scoreless first half.

Gerardo Torrado, Jose "El Gringo" Castro and Guillermo "El Guille" Franco also added scores.

But it was Dos Santos and Vela that helped create virtually all the goals.

Both forwards added an assist. Vela, the top scorer in the 2005 U-17 World Cup, opened space from the left and Dos Santos from the right.

The United States didn't have an answer.

Mexico constantly attacked from the wings with Vela and Dos Santos feeding and filtering passes when they didn't beat a defender one-on-one.

Dos Santos, 20, showed signs he's found a comfortable spot with the team by creating scoring opportunities throughout the Gold Cup.

His speed and agility to dribble past defenders was arguably a legitimate reason for El Tri's success throughout the tournament.

"I had a good tournament. I felt good and enjoyed myself," Dos Santos said. "I was able to block out things outside of soccer. I think I am now finding my rhythm my personality on the field. But I'm not going to ring any bells yet. There's more work to do. I hope to continue on that path."

He's also earned the praise from his teammates. So has Vela.

"They're great players. They say they are jewels, gems," said Mexico defender Jonny Magallon. "They've overcome criticism and have done plenty in their careers despite their age. They are players that make a difference. They're in their moment and they are taking advantage of it along with the rest of the veterans."

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre earlier this month labeled Dos Santos as a "special" player and that he spoke with Dos Santos separately at times to help him find his comfort zone.

The FC Barcelona star showed his comfort, earning the tournament's MVP Award.

Mexico didn't bring its European based players to the tournament with coach Javier Aguirre opting for youth and a handful of newcomers to the national team.

Aguirre said throughout the Gold Cup that the starting lineup for El Tri is not determined for the future. He avoided the topic with regard to the August 12 World Cup qualifier against the United States at Estadio Azteca.

Aguirre, who returned to the sidelines Sunday after serving a three-match suspension, made sure to remind everyone he has called up other players from the so-called Golden Generation.

He's included Hector Moreno and Efrain Juarez who started at midfield Sunday against the United States.

"It's a winning generation and I hope that we as coaches have the capacity to manage them and mix them well with the veterans," Aguirre said. "Thanks for pointing that out."

Now the waiting begins for the day Aguirre releases his list for the August 12 match.

He said there are no etched starters but he might want to consider La Generacion de Oro.