Omar Gonzalez started and went 90 minutes as the United States defeated Panama 2-0 to take first place at the top of their CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group.
Jozy Altidore and Eddie Johnson scored the goals as the U.S. is now sits two points ahead of second place Costa Rica and third place Mexico in the Hexagonal. Against Panama, Gonzalez was rarely tested except for a brief lapse that led to a Luis Tejada chance in the game's dying moments. Following the match, Gonzalez spoke to reporters following the match about his maturity in the back. The U.S. finish up this series of international matches on Tuesday against Honduras at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Meanwhile, Robbie Keane started and went 56 minutes as Ireland fell 2-0 to Spain at Yankee Stadium in New York. The match is the final fixture for the Irish during this international period. Ireland will participate in a friendly against Wales on August 14, which does fall on a FIFA date before resuming World Cup qualifying against Sweden on Sept. 6. Both matches will take place in Dublin.
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