As I posted two Fridays ago, the U.S. men’s national soccer team is taking on Panama in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Tonight at Reliant Stadium in Houston the USMNT will again take on Panama who came out guns blazing and took the group stage match 2-1.
The U.S. came out slow and despite their attempt at a second half comeback, they fell short in an embarrassing loss. To follow manager Bob Bradley's squad looked ugly in the final group game against measly Guadeloupe. Afterwards, people were calling for Bradley's head, so, in the quarterfinal match he took some chances shook up his lineup. He even inserted a tired Landon Donovan in the second half to put the team through to the semis. The guys looked far more competent, though not entirely complete in their 2-0 win over Jamaica. They should fair even better tonight where they’ll be out for revenge.
And Panama better be ready. Native Texan and Fulham legend, Clint Dempsey was a cold-blooded savage against the Jamaicans and missed a few chances until this happened:
I hope they’re all ready to perform tonight. A win puts them into the final in the Rose Bowl on Saturday and possibly in a match against los chicitos a la sur, Mexico. Tonight’s game is at 7 p.m. ET on Fox Soccer and Univision.
Lastly, my favorite soccer writer, Steven Goff, at the Washington Post has a great preview. Bone up on your knowledge, because we are the U.S., the mighty fuckin’ U.S.
