Tied atop the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group with Mexico and Costa Rica, the United States men's national soccer team hopes a strong performance in their upcoming match against Panama will help keep them near the top of the standings. Coming off a thrilling 2-1 victory over Jamaica, the U.S. faces a tough test in Panama but it's a contest they're fully capable of winning.
Panama sits one point behind leaders Costa Rica, Mexico and the United States and as they prepare to take on a talented U.S. team, Panama knows how much three points would help them in World Cup qualifying if they're able to pull out a victory on United States soil. The top three teams in the group advance to the World Cup while the fourth place finisher enters a playoff with New Zealand.
When and Where to Watch Qualifier
As both teams prepare for their fifth qualifying match, the United States host Panama at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Tuesday, June 11th. Game time is set for 10:00pm, EDT with television coverage available through the ESPN Network.
For those wishing to view the game on-line, a live stream can be found by following this link.
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USA vs. Panama Breakdown
With the potential to earn three points through victory, the United States and Panama look to pad their point totals in hexagonal play as the qualification stages continue on. Panama enters Tuesday night's match coming off a 0-0 draw with Mexico. Held under control by a very sound Mexican defensive unit, the Panamanian national squad was only able to put three shots on goal last week. Their first opportunity came at the 11-minute mark when forward Luis Tejeda blasted one from the right side of the box but El Tri keeper Jose Corona made his first of three crucial saves.
Another great scoring chance came at the 49-minute mark when superstar Blas Perez had a great look from the center of the box but his shot was also gobbled up by the veteran goalie, keeping the match in a scoreless draw. Perez fired a deep shot in the 63rd-minute looking to put Panama on the board but Corona was rock solid as the two team's played to a 0-0 ballgame, earning one
point apiece. Unfortunately for Panama, Perez will not make the trip to Seattle due to an illness, something that certainly won't favor the team heading into their match with the United States.
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While Panama was busy adding one point to their total, the United States found themselves in a tough match with a very athletic Jamaican national squad. Leading 1-0 on the strength of a Jozy Altidore goal at the 30-minute mark, the United States looked like they'd leave Kingston with a three-point victory. Not going quietly however, Jamaican goal-scorer Jermaine Beckford tied the game at one in the 89th-minute with a beautiful header from the center of the box. With only stoppage time remaining, it looked as though the U.S. would have to settle for a one point draw. Hustling from end to end down the stretch, the USMNT watched as an unlikely hero propelled them to the victory in the second minute of extra time.
Defenseman Brad Evans, whose bio doesn't even appear in the U.S. program since he was used sparingly in years past, sent one through from 10 yards out to give America a crucial qualifying victory. Obviously thrilled with the clutch performance of Evans, U.S coach Jurgen Klinsmann says it's been a pleasure to watch Brad Evans grow into a bigger role with the national team.
"I think he's growing into his role," Klinsmann said to the LA Times. "He understands that it's there for him to grab. He's finding his game, finding an understanding with the center backs and finding an understanding with the midfielders. This is not happening overnight, but we need to give him time to play that role. The moment was there for him."
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USA vs. Panama Wrap-Up
Although Panama will be without their premier scorer in Blas Perez, don't sleep on the fact that Panama is still capable of competing with the United States especially since they're only one point off the CONCACAF leaders.
Be sure to catch all the action between the United States and Panama on Tuesday, June 11th. Game time is set for 10:00pm, EDT with television coverage provided by the ESPN Network. An on-line live stream will also be available by following this link.
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