The U.S. Men’s National Team kicked off the 2017 Gold Cup Group B in the hot Nashville sun with a 1-1 draw against Panama. Expectations are high for Bruce Arena’s squad, looking for their first Gold Cup Win since 2013. Given the busy club season, and World Cup qualifying, the USMNT has turned into a team of opportunity for some young players.
Dom Dywer, Joe Corona, and Gyasi Zardes will pick up the attack from the middle, and will lead the young squad up front. Brad Guzan will be in goal every game, and will be key to the USMNT’s success. The first game against Panama on paper will be their toughest game in group play, and that’s exactly what it was.
Panama manager Hernán Darío Gómez, like the USMNT, is shifting his focus to the youth movement in Panama. Leaving out Blas Perez and Luis Tejada out of the summer tournament. It’s a strategy that should work out in the long run, and at least qualify for second in group play.
The heat did not slow down a quick pace to start the match. Each side had a couple of looks, but neither could capitalize. Almost identical stat lines at half time, 50-50 possession, 4 shots on target, the only stat that stands out is corner kicks, which the USMNT led 4-1.
Bruce must have said something motivational at half time, as the USMNT came out firing. Kelyn Rowe had the ball on Panama’s goal line, and found Dom Dwyer in the middle of the box, before he buried the games first goal off the post.
Dwyer’s Goal
The lone goal so far. Dom Dwyer puts the #USA up vs #PAN. #USAvPAN #GoldCup2017 https://t.co/hxq4pkO9bF
— The AOSN (@TheAOSNcom) July 8, 2017
Things fell apart for the USMNT shortly after breaking the scoring open. Gabriel Torres and Ismael Diaz were just feet in front of Guzan, and neither could find the net. It didn’t take long after though, when Miguel Camargo finally tied the game, on a rebound beating Guzan. The USMNT back line fell asleep on the rebound and Guzan was furious.
Camargo’s Goal
Miguel Camargo puts #PAN on the board, ties things up vs #USA. #USAvPAN #GoldCup2017https://t.co/HtGpfMISSy
— The AOSN (@TheAOSNcom) July 8, 2017
In the 82nd minute, Bedoya was able to break Panama’s line, and was dragged down in the box. Head official Fernando Guerrero kept his cards in his pocket all game, a rarity with how chippy the game was.
I asked Bedoya after the game his thoughts on the play, “Call could have gone either way, I felt I was bumped, I could feel his arm.”
In the end a draw isn’t the worst result for the USMNT. They still control their own destiny in group play.
Martinique is a fast Caribbean team, whose speed and tempo can cause problems for the US. Nicaragua, is a little more disciplined, but nothing the Bruce Arena’s squad can’t handle.
The game drew a Tennessee state record for largest attended soccer game with 47,622 in the house. I’d say 40,000 left after game one.
We’ll be back live from Tampa for Wednesday’s Gold Cup Group B games from Raymond James Stadium.
Make sure to follow our Gold Cup Live Blog for live updates.
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