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USMNT: WCQ vs. Panama – Preview and How to Watch

By Daniel Garza

Nov 11, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; USA midfielder Christian Pulisic (10) controls a ball during the second half of the match against the Mexico at MAPFRE Stadium. Mexico beats the USA 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; USA midfielder Christian Pulisic (10) controls a ball during the second half of the match against the Mexico at MAPFRE Stadium. Mexico beats the USA 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a 6-0 win over Honduras, the United States Men’s National Team will be in search of their second consecutive victory in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying.

For the 17th time, Panama will face the U.S, as the USMNT look to build on an already one-sided series between the two. The US leads the all-time draw with a record of 11-1-4 against Los Canaleros.

A win would leapfrog the U.S into an automatic qualifying spot and potentially into second place in the group, if results elsewhere go their way.

Preview

The real concern coming into this match for the USMNT is how much of an impact the recent injuries will have on the team. On Friday, they lost defender John Brooks and midfielder Sebastian Lletget, and forward Jordan Morris is also unavailable due to injury.

With Brooks out, the backline suffers a major loss, and Tim Ream appears to be the option to replace the Hertha Berlin defender. Walker Zimmerman of FC Dallas could be another potential replacement, but Bruce Arena will most likely will go with Ream.

One area of concern the U.S doesn’t appear to have is goal scoring, the trio of Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey and Christian Pulisic had a field day against the Honduran defense on Friday night. Pulisic was very active and displayed his fantastic passing ability throughout the match, and Dempsey was ruthless with this finishing ability.

March 24, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; United States forward Clint Dempsey (8) is congratulated after scoring a hat trick against the Honduras during the second half of the Men’s World Cup Soccer Qualifier at Avaya Stadium. The United States defeated Honduras 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; United States forward Clint Dempsey (8) is congratulated after scoring a hat trick against the Honduras during the second half of the Men’s World Cup Soccer Qualifier at Avaya Stadium. The United States defeated Honduras 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

If the USMNT is going to come away with all three points, they will need to score goals, Panama isn’t any easy place to play. The Los Canaleros know that they can really put some distance between them and the Americans with a win.

In other lineup news, Jermaine Jones will be available to play in Tuesday’s night’s match as he returns from yellow card suspension.

MLS Faces for Panama

Panama fell to Trinidad & Tobago in a shocking 1-0 loss on Friday, which ended any hope Panama had of challenging Mexico at the top of the table. Overall, the Central American country has won three of their last five matches.

There are a few Major League Soccer players on Panama’s roster, including the red hot Anibal Godoy, who has had a fantastic start to the season with the San Jose Earthquakes. Other notable players include Seattle Sounders’ Roman Torres and former longtime MLS forward Blas Perez.

The USMNT defeated Panama in Panama City during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying round, scoring two late goals to dash the home side’s chances of at least going to the intercontinental playoff, as Mexico sneaked in instead.

Match Info

Who: Panama vs. United States

When: Tuesday, March 28th – 10:00 p.m. (ET)

Where: Estadio Rommel Fernandez– Panama City, Panama

How to Watch: beIN Sports, Telemundo, NBC Universo

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