The United States Men’s National Team continue Group C play at Copa America tomorrow when they take on Panama. The USMNT won their opening match against Bolivia 2-0, while Panama lost 3-1 to Uruguay in their opener.
Panama, the 43rd ranked team in the world, is a familiar foe for the USMNT. They last saw each other last summer in the Gold Cup semifinals, where Panama escaped with the win on penalties. The USMNT have routinely had a tough time against Panama in tournament matches, which should keep them focused as they seek 3 points and do everything they can to clinch a spot in the knockout stage. Panama look to spoil the party and keep themselves in the running to get out of the group.
Latest Form
USA
W (2-0) – Bolivia – Copa America Group C
D (1-1) – Brazil – Friendly
L (1-5) – Colombia – Friendly
W (2-0) – Mexico – Concacaf Nations League Final
W (3-1 AET) – Jamaica – Concacaf Nations League Semifinals
Panama
L (1-3) – Uruguay – Copa America Group C
L (0-1) – Paraguay – Friendly
W (3-1) – Montserrat – World Cup Qualifying
W (2-0) – Guyana – World Cup Qualifying
L (0-1) – Jamaica – Concacaf Nations League 3rd Place
What To Watch For
Keep it clean. Once again, the back line is counted on to keep the area clear of any danger. They did a pretty good job against Bolivia, but Panama will try to take their chances. Let’s see if they can continue to hold the line.
Don’t get Concacaf’d. Panama could try to make things…Concacafy. Everyone knows what that means. Expect some gamesmanship and other tactics to try and slow down the game and limit the number of opportunities to score. If the USMNT can power through that, they can neutralize Panama.
Everyone should be active. Panama will try to put pressure on the defense early, so the USMNT should be active around the ball. Executing their roles and withstanding Panama’s barrage could help set up counters going the other way.
Lineup Prediction
Expect head coach Gregg Berhalter to use some rotation in his lineup tomorrow. While the shape remains the same, you could see this starting XI:
Matt Turner remains in goal, while the back line remains the same from the Bolivia match: Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, and Joe Scally. In the middle, Johnny Cardoso starts in place of Tyler Adams, while Brenden Aaronson starts in place of Gio Reyna. Weston McKennie starts again at the 8.
Up front, there are a couple more changes. While Christian Pulisic continues to start on the left wing and keep the captain’s armband, Ricardo Pepi will start at the 9 and Haji Wright sees some time on the right wing.
Prediction
It’s a tight game, but the USA wins 2-0.
