Clint Dempsey's first hat trick in international competition helped USA soccer crush Cuba, 6-0, in the Gold Cup.

Cuba wasn't supposed to stand a chance against the Americans, and Dempsey and crew dominated the action all throughout. Dempsey started things off early with his first goal at the 4' mark, then a couple other Yanks got in on the party.

Gyasi Zardes connected on a cross from Fabian Johnson for the second goal (15'), then Aaron Johannsson scored on a cheeky chip shot over the keeper for the third (32') with a touch of class off the feed from Michael Bradley. Right before the end of the first half, Omar Gonzalez cleaned up a loose ball on a corner kick and put it into the back of the net for a 4-0 lead at the half. The second half was all about Dempsey.

After Johannsson was dragged down in the box at the 63' after a mad scramble, and who else would take the PK but Dempsey? He clinically finished the freebie then finished his hat trick off at the 78' mark with a wicked sliding finish off the outside of his right foot. Who provided the set up? Michael Bradley.

The US squad did exactly what was needed against Cuba. The Americans, along with Mexico and Costa Rica, see themselves in the Gold Cup Final. Taking care of the lesser opponents are simply tripping blocks to the final goal.

A six goal effort is always something to build off of. With the recent offensive struggles the national team went through, a burst like this is a step in the right direction.

More From 103.3 The GOAT