The U.S. men’s national team enjoyed a winning start to the Mauricio Pochettino-era on Saturday night in Austin, Texas.
Yunus Musah’s first senior goal paired with an insurance finish from Ricardo Pepi helped the USMNT defeat CONCACAF rivals Panama 2-0 at Q2 Stadium. Christian Pulisic continued his impactful run of form for club and country by setting up Musah for a second-half finish while goalkeeper Matt Turner registered a three-save clean sheet.
After early pressure from Panama, the USMNT settled into the match and eventually got things rolling in the final third.
Josh Sargent had a golden chance to boost the hosts in front before halftime, but failed to slot home past Orlando Mosquera. Pulisic stole possession on Panama’s side of the field before springing Sargent into the final third, however the Norwich City forward’s effort was punched away.
Musah boosted the USMNT in front in the 49th minute, capping off a superb team play from the Americans.
Antonee Robinson created space on the left wing to connect with Pulisic in the final third. Pulisic’s 1-2 pass with Brenden Aaronson saw the AC Milan attacker race near the end line before crossing into the box for Musah to one-time home for his first USMNT goal.
Sargent came close to doubling the USMNT’s lead quickly after the restart but again was denied by a diving Mosquera.
Turner kept the USMNT in front after making a double save to deny Panama an equalizer. Edgar Barcenas’ curling effort was punched wide by Turner before the Crystal Palace goalkeeper repelled Jose Rodriguez’s follow-up chance.
Defensively, the USMNT did everything they could to keep Panama off the scoresheet, blocking several efforts and racing back to defend in numbers.
Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi, Tanner Tessmann, Haji Wright, Alex Zendejas and Kristoffer Lund all featured off the bench in the second half.
The USMNT wouldn’t allow a shot on target the rest of the way, earning their first clean sheet since June 23 (2-0 Copa America win vs. Bolivia).
Wright and Pepi connected for the USMNT’s insurance goal in second-half stoppage time, as the PSV forward slotted home his 11th senior goal.
Mexico awaits on Tuesday in Guadalajara for the USMNT’s final friendly of the October window.
