The USMNT will continue their quest to qualify for the world cup this Tuesday night against Panama in Seattle. This game will be the US’s fifth qualifier and only the second at home. The US is coming off a dramatic win in Kingston against Jamaica that put them in a three way tie for first place. Panama is sitting in the playoff spot but only one point behind the US. This game is huge for both sides as qualifying intensifies and the road to Brazil becomes clearer.
Unfortunately the US will be facing this opponent short handed with the absences of Jermaine Jones, Herculez Gomez, and Graham Zusi. Over the last two games Jermaine Jones has been a huge factor in the US controlling the midfield. His ability to link up with Bradley really provided defensive stability and was key factor in jump starting the offense, Jones being out of the line up provides a huge gap for the US and with no one ready to step in. The US will most likely be forced to go through Brad Davis in the mix and hope for the best. The stars and stripes are also missing a lot in the width department as they will be without Zusi, who has been setting up Jozy with excellent service. Herculez Gomez has been out for a number of games with an injury and has been released from the roster. Herc has made Seattle his hunting grounds, scoring a number of goals in champions league.
Panama is a stingy team that has a way of grinding out results. A strong defensive team that does not back down. They are currently undefeated in qualifying going one win and three draws. The team is mostly domestically based out of the Panamanian league. FC Dallas striker Biaz Perez is their front man and will be the most dangerous player in their attack. The US will have to battle out against Felipe Baloy. Union fans will get to see former Union player Gabriel Gomez.
This game will be won in the midfield if the US want to walk away with three points they will need to dictate the midfield with physical play. If the US can hold possession, win 50/50’s, and be more physical then Panama, they will find themselves creating more opportunities. The US also have to be clean and quick with their passes spreading the ball wide and putting in a good cross into Jozy. The midfield will also have to utilize Clint Dempsey as much as possible. Giving him the ball in the attacking third letting him create, make plays and hopefully take some shots. Dempsey will be the most important player on the pitch; he has the class to turn water into wine. If he does not show up the US will be in for a tough fight.
Just like any other World Cup Qualifier this one will be a gut wrenching affair that will be in the balance until the game is over. If the US wins they will start to put some space between them and the bottom of the table and USMNT fans will be able to breath easy till June 18th when they face Honduras.
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