US Outlasts Panama in Philadelphia

With several players leaving for Europe during the week, including new FC Sochaux signing Charlie Davies, the US roster was depleted to say the least. Nevertheless, the team put in a gritty performance to earn a 2-1 win in extra time against Panama.

The game was only the second USMNT game played in Philadelphia, the other being a 4-0 loss to Israel in 1968. With over 31,000 on hand, Philadelphians displayed some of the support we should expect for the Philadelphia Union next spring. The Sons of Ben and Sam’s Army also combined forces to create a boisterous supporters’ section that contributed to a wonderful atmosphere.

Aside from an 8^th minute header off the post from Brian Ching, the US attack was fairly anemic in the first half. Though the US earned a number of corners and free kicks, there was little serious threat to Jaime Penedo’s goal. Panama’s attack was not much better, but the La Marea Roja managed to find net in stoppage time when Blas Perez hammered home a loose ball in front of Troy Perkins’ goal. The US roster also took another hit in the first half when Jimmy Conrad left the game with a concussion; he is listed as day-to-day.

Trailing 1-0, the US came out looking like an entirely different team, with persistent attack and possession. Kyle Beckerman continued his solid play in the Gold Cup, building the attack from his holding midfield position. The Real Salt Lake midfielder helped dictate the tempo of the game with good distribution and strong defensive play. Beckerman’s performance was rewarded with his first international goal in the 49^th minute, when he hammered a shot from the top of the box into the upper right hand corner off of a drop from Davy Arnaud.

After the tying goal, the US continued to press for a winner, while Panama bunkered in and tried to hang on. Kenny Cooper and Brian Ching had a couple of golden opportunities to put the Yanks in front, but both were unable to find the back of the net.

In the first half of extra time, however, Cooper made amends for his earlier unsuccessful efforts by winning a PK and converting from the spot. The US never looked back and could have easily extended their lead in the second half of extra time, with Panama providing little offensive threat.

Robbie Rogers, whose play earlier in the tournament has led some to believe that he could challenge for a ticket to South Africa, did not have a memorable performance Saturday night. Though he won several corners early, he did not have a big impact in the attack and was guilty of some slow play on several occasions. Jay Heaps, on the other hand, had a much better performance than his nightmare of a debut against Haiti, with solid defensive play.

The US will now take on Honduras at Soldier Field in Chicago in the Gold Cup semifinals next Thursday. We will wait and see if Bob Bradley makes use of his extra roster spots to add a player like Jozy Altidore or Ricardo Clark to the squad.

MLS Daily Man of the Match: Kyle Beckerman