LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Things We Learned from the U.S. National Team’s 1-1 draw with Panama in Panama City.
USMNT GET HARD-FOUGHT POINT IN PANAMA
It was a vintage CONCACAF game, but the U.S. National Team got the job done in Panama City on Tuesday.
The Americans earned a gritty point on the road in a 1-1 draw with Panama on Tuesday to end the international period with four points in World Cup qualifying. Clint Dempsey scored the lone goal for the Americans who were put on their back heel much of the match. Led by a brilliant showing from former Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez, the USMNT dealt with the pressure and left Panama City with a vital road point.
When Panama did breach the Americans defensive four, goalkeeper Tim Howard was there, making three saves on the evening for Bruce Arena’s squad.
JERMAINE JONES BACK IN THE LINEUP FOR THE USMNT
Jermaine Jones returned to the starting lineup for the U.S. National Team after missing the match with Honduras due to yellow card accumulation.
Jones, who started in place of the injured Sebastian Lletget, went 74 minutes in midfield beside captain Michael Bradley. With the Panamanians holding the momentum for considerable amounts of the match, Jones was often forced into a defensive posture as he sought to break up attacks. Jones’ most profound effect on the game came on Clint Dempsey's opener when the Galaxy midfielder launched a pass down the flank that was ultimately collected by Christian Pulisic who found Dempsey for the first goal of the game.
Jones will now return to Los Angeles ahead of the Galaxy’s clash with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Despite the long travel to Panama, expect Jones to be available for selection on Saturday.
BRUCE ARENA HAS THE USMNT BACK ON TRACK
Bruce Arena has been magic for the U.S. National Team.
In just two World Cup qualifiers, Arena has the USMNT back on track to qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The United States now have four points and sit in the fourth position on the Hexagonal Table currently one point behind Panama.
After appearing in such a poor position after Jurgen Klinsmann’s defeat to Costa Rica, Arena deserves plenty of praise for turning the Americans’ fortunes around and putting them back on the road to Russia.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atwww.LAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
