Once the United States men's national team took care of Honduras in the first Gold Cup semifinal Wednesday night, both El Tri and Panama were fully aware that a trip to the final meant a match-up against an American team currently riding a ten-match win streak.
Trying not to look too far ahead of the semifinal contest at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the Panamanian nationals struck quickly as they aimed to take down Mexico for the second time in less than 3 weeks, and it was a familiar face who jumpstarted the club early.
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Blas Perez notched the first tally of the game in the 13th minute when he sent a difficult shot between the pipes from a tough right-corner angle to put Panama up 1-0. Perez and Panama jumped out to an early lead in its Gold Cup opener against El Tri on July 7th and scoring quickly once again, the 2005 Gold Cup runner-up were out to the coveted early advantage.
Despite the early score, Panama's lead lasted only 13 minutes because of a timely goal by El Tri midfielder Luis Montes. The 27-year-old played a beautiful header from teammate Marco Fabian in the 26th minute and when his scoring attempt slid in under the top left corner of the goal, Mexico and Panama were even at one.
Entering the halftime break tied at 1, Panama would once again strike first to break a tie ballgame.
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Defender Roman Torres played a header between the pipes off a Gabriel Torres corner cross in the 66th minute and just like they'd done in the opening frame, Panama took control of the match once again with a timely score.
With the two-time defending champions now on the ropes, all Panama had to do was keep El Tri off the scoreboard for another 20-plus minutes to set up a championship match against the USMNT.
That task was easier said then done as Mexico's Isaac Brizuela nearly tied the game in the 79th minute but his shot attempt from the center of the box was saved just above the top of the net, allowing Panama to hold onto their 2-1 advantage with slightly over 10 minutes remaining.
Javier Orozco narrowly missed a header in the 89th minute as Mexico continued to apply pressure but simply could not come away with the tying score.
Surviving 4 minutes of stoppage time, Blas Perez and Panama advanced to the CONCACAF Gold Cup final for the second time in team history.
The Panamanians will face the United States on Sunday, July 28 at 4:00pm, ET from Soldier Field in Chicago.
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