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US Men’s National Team travels to Panama for an important match

By Chuck Booth

March 24, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; United States forward Clint Dempsey (8) is congratulated after scoring a hat trick against the Honduras during the second half of the Men's World Cup Soccer Qualifier at Avaya Stadium. The United States defeated Honduras 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; United States forward Clint Dempsey (8) is congratulated after scoring a hat trick against the Honduras during the second half of the Men's World Cup Soccer Qualifier at Avaya Stadium. The United States defeated Honduras 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Don’t look now but the US Men’s National Team has their swagger back. This doesn’t mean that they can overlook Panama, however.

The Ins and Outs: US Men’s National Team  (1-2-0) vs. Panama (1-1-1) 10 pm Eastern Time

Where to watch: beIN Sports USA and NBC Universo

Streaming: fuboTV

Coaches: Bruce Arena (USA) – Hernán Darío Gómez (Panama)

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US Soccer is fun again: It’s been a while since we could truly get excited about US Soccer and the waning moments of Jurgen Klinsmann’s tenure were especially depressing. Fingers were being pointed all around and the mood surrounding the team both on and off the pitch was grim. Arena’s January camp didn’t do much to ease concerns (nor should it have been expected to) but winning can cure all problems. Fresh off of a 6-0 drubbing of Honduras that saw the US Men’s National Team get back to their old tricks.

Clint Dempsey looked like he was fully back from his heart issues collecting a hat trick in the game, Christian Pulisic made his case as being the most indispensable member of the US player pool right now, and even Alejandro Bedoya made important contributions on the pitch. But while times are good, it can be a fleeting feeling if the US Men’s National team goes into Panama and lays an egg. Depending on the results from the US match and Costa Rica’s World Cup Qualifier, the US could move as high as second in the hex standings.

Traveling to Panama will not be easy, but it is very important that the US Men’s National Team leaves this match with points.

Possible Lineups: 

Going into the Honduras match, the USMNT was already stretched thin due to injury but it will be a tougher task in Panama with John Brooks and Jordan Morris also being sent home. This should lead to quite a few changes to the US lineup, leading to something like this one below:

Keys to Victory

  • Keep a short memory- While this is usually said in losses, it also rings true after large wins. The US Men’s National Team doesn’t waltz into Panama expecting a win and with Bruce Arena will likely have the team properly prepared. A loss in this game would be significant in the grand scheme of qualification but as long as the US is able to pick up points in this one, with the injuries that they’re dealing with, it will be a good result moving forward.
  • Sound defending on the left- Looking at the projected lineup, the defensive pairing on the left side is an unusual one containing Jorge Villafana and Tim Ream. Both of these guys are looking to establish themselves as USMNT regulars and a good performance in this matchup could make a big difference for their fortunes moving forward. Villafana has a chance to establish himself as a viable left back for the team so that moving forward there are more options of where to play Fabian Johnson. Ream is looking to translate strong form for Fulham into a strong performance for the team, breaking into a loaded center back location.

    • Jozy bullying the back line-

    Clint Dempsey got off the mark for the USMNT against Honduras but away to Panama, Altidore’s strength will be key. He’ll need to wear down the Panama back line in order to allow everyone else to operate. While this may not result in goals for Jozy, his hold-up play will be very important to a US victory.

    Next: Sitting Down and Talking Soccer with UnionFanTV

    Prediction: I see a 2-1 win for the US Men’s National team in this one. They’ll give up a cheap goal due to not having John Brooks but overall, the US will keep it tight in this game.

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