USA earn hard-fought draw vs. Panama

The U.S. Men’s National Team drew Panama 1-1 Tuesday night, giving Bruce Arena four points from two matches in charge.

The first half was a slugfest for Bruce Arena’s men, who were up against a physical Panama team that fouled hard and often. Darlington Nagbe and Christian Pusilic were especially vulnerable to cheap shots from the likes of Felipe Baloy, but referee César Arturo Ramos failed repeatedly to punish the Panamanians.

In the 39th minute Pulisic would have the last laugh however, as the Borussia Dortmund star dispossessed Baloy in the box and cut around Roman Torres before squaring to Clint Dempsey, and the Sounders forward put away a simple finish for his fourth goal in two matches.

But luck was not with the Yanks on the day, as four minutes later Panama equalized on a long throw in, with the ball bouncing off Tim Ream right to the path of Gabriel Gomez, who powered the loose ball past Tim Howard to level the match.

The second half featured plenty of chances, but neither side could brake through as the teams shared the points.