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USMNT Faces Off Against Panama With It All On the Line

By Eric Harris

EAST HARTFORD, CT - JULY 01: Giant US flag in the supporter's section during an international friendly between the United States and Ghana on July 1, 2017, at Pratt
EAST HARTFORD, CT - JULY 01: Giant US flag in the supporter's section during an international friendly between the United States and Ghana on July 1, 2017, at Pratt /
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A Win Puts the US In Good Shape. A Loss? Well.

The USMNT hasn’t been in this big of a must win position in a while. Usually the final group of World Cup Qualifiers has been a chance to take a look at who might make the world cup roster. Or in the case of last cycle, saving Mexico from missing out on the tournament. This year, if these last two matches don’t go well, there might not be a world cup roster.

The US starts this must win stretch with a game they should feel comfortable about, a home game against Panama. They get the benefit of Orlando’s famous wall behind them, which will make for an outstanding atmosphere.

Here are the Hex Standings as of right now.

  1. Mexico, 18 points
  2. Costa Rica, 15 points
  3. Panama, 10 points
  4. USA, 9 points (+1 GD)
  5. Honduras, 9 points (-7 GD)
  6. Trinidad and Tobago, 3 points

Boy that 6-0 against Honduras is coming in handy right now, but not only is this a huge game for the US, its monumental for Panama. They are on the brink of qualifying for their first ever World Cup. After this is a match against Costa Rica so for Panama even a road point would be huge for trying to stay in the automatic qualifying spot. Fall to fourth and you get a playoff against Syria or Australia where anything can happen.

How the USMNT Wins

First thing is to stay organized. The USMNT didn’t play horribly in their last home match, but two brutal mistakes from the centerbacks and keeper sunk them. John Brooks still isn’t back from his injury so in the back will see some combination of Geoff Cameron, Matt Besler, or Omar Gonzalez. All have had their ups and downs with the USMNT but they just need to remain organized against Panama.

Second is surround Christian Pulisic with players who will move and create chances. This is the kind of game that Clint Dempsey needs to make an impact in. He may not be able to go a full 90, but should be playing a role in the attack. Look for other MLS’ers Paul Arriola and Jozy Altidore to play a role as well. If Pulisic gets the start in the number 10 role, the right side of the field is open and Arriola has been a popular pick of Bruce Arena’s.

Prediction

There has been a lot of stress surrounding the US’ less than successful games in September, don’t expect a repeat of that. I expect the USMNT to jump quickly on Panama much like they did against Honduras at home. 3-0 USA.

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