USA puts it all together against Panama

By Ivan Yeo

It has been a while since the United State men’s national team put together a satisfying performance.

Mired in a five-match winless streak and going through another January camp, the U.S. National team looked to end the camp on a high note as they hosted Panama in a friendly at the StubHub Center, and the U.S. didn’t dissapoint on Sunday.

Two electrifying goals coupled with a solid defensive effort that slowed down the Panamanians was very much enough for the United States in its 2-0 win in Carson on Sunday afternoon.

“Pleased to see the team finish this four weeks camp in good style,” U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. “Lot of energy, great crowd (and) it was really fun.”

The United States seized control of the match in the first half starting in the 27th minute. The U.S. won a corner kick in the 27th minute and Michael Bradley sent the corner over keeper Jaime Penedo, beating him far post for a rare Olimpico to stake the U.S. to the lead.

The U.S. then got a second goal 10 minutes later, as Gyasi Zardes recieved a ball, sprinted through the midfield and sprung Dempsey forward with a through ball past the Panamanian Center Backs. Dempsey maneuvered past keeper Jaime Penedo and sent the ball into the open net to widen the U.S. lead, which they made sure it stood up.

“The pushing was there,” Klinsmann said. “They had the willingness to go to the end with all their energy and good positive attitudes.”

It wasn’t all well for the U.S. though. One mistake by the U.S. late in the first half almost allowed Panama to get back into the match. It occurred in the 40th minute, as keeper Nick Rimando threw an outlet pass towards defender Matt Besler. Besler however didn’t anticipate the pass, and slipped while trying to get back to the ball, which allowed Blas Perez a point-blank chance on goal. Perez however sent the ball into the stands, thus preserving the clean sheet for the U.S.

Aside from that gaffe, the United States did everything it needed to do to break its five-match winless streak. Aside from the two goals, it controlled possession for most of the match, not allowing Panama to get many scoring chances, and Panama’s frustration clearly showed in a chippy second half.

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