US Takes First Loss to Panama, First Gold Cup Group Stage Loss

The US were defeated by Panama on Saturday evening in the 2nd game of the group stage in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The US were defeated 2-1 with poor defending in the first half and little control at midfield.

The second have was a different story as the US attacked much more efficiently. In the 68th minute Clarence Goodson scored after a free kick was flicked on by Michael Bradley.

The US came close to scoring the tying goal a number of times in the second half and no chance was better than Chris Wondolowski who missed a wide open net from 4 yards out after a nice build up by the US and a good cut back cross from Jozy Altidore. But it was all too little too late as the Panamanians celebrated their top spot in the group stage with 6 pts.

“On the night we weren’t good enough. In the game we had the ball early and a chance to gain control,” said U.S. head coach Bob Bradley. “Panama did a good job defending, and as we’re trying to open them and find spaces, we allow them the first goal. At that point their game plan becomes stronger. We still have the same approach, but the second goal makes it hard. In the second half we put a lot into it. We had some good chances, but nonetheless we weren’t sharp enough in the areas that mattered.”

The US must now play all their starters with a short turn around and a game on Tuesday night. It’s a match they must get points from if they are to move on to the next stage of the tournament.

The US is now tied with Canada for 2nd place in group C each with 3 pts.

Here are the scenarios the US needs to advance:

IF PANAMA BEATS CANADA …
and the U.S. wins, the U.S. advances in second place.
and the U.S. ties, the U.S. advances in second place.
and the U.S. loses by one goal, the U.S. advances in second place.
and the U.S. loses by two or three goals, the U.S. finishes in third place with three points*
and the U.S. loses by four or more goals, the U.S. finishes in fourth place
IF PANAMA AND CANADA TIE ..
and the U.S. wins, the U.S. advances in second place.
and the U.S. ties, the U.S. advances in second place. (tiebreaker: head to head vs Canada)
If Panama ties and the U.S. loses, the U.S. will finish in fourth place. (tiebreaker: head to head vs Guadeloupe)
IF CANADA BEATS PANAMA …
by one or two goals and the U.S. wins, the U.S. wins the group.
3-0 and the U.S. wins by one or more scoring at least 2, the U.S. will advance in first place.
3-0 and the U.S. wins 1-0, there will be a drawing of lots to determine first or second place.
by three goals, scoring four or more, and the U.S. wins, the U.S. will advance in second place.
by four goals and the U.S. wins, the U.S. advances in second place.
and the U.S. ties, the U.S. will advance as a third-place team.
and the U.S. loses, the U.S. will finish in fourth place.